I am interested in studies that aim to conserve marine ecosystems through proper management of human activities. Specifically, through the study of the ecology and behavior of fish fauna (both bony and cartilaginous fish), I am concerned with the design and effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas in relation also to the human activities associated with them, such as the management of artisanal fisheries. To investigate these aspects I use various techniques and tools including visual census, acoustic telemetry, field experiments, laboratory activities, vessel boardings, systematic reviews, meta-analysis, and local ecological knowledge.
The research activities of the Institute are carried out in the context of research, development and innovation projects, both national and international, based on regional funding programs (POR FEAMPA - Regional Operational Program of the European Maritime Affairs Fisheries Fund and Aquaculture and POR FESR - Regional Operational Program of the European Regional Development Fund) or ministerial (PRIN - Projects of relevant national interest, PNRA - National Research Program in Antarctica, PO FEAMPA - National Operational Program European Maritime Affairs Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund) , programs for European Territorial Cooperation (Interreg), direct funding programs of the European Commission (Horizon2020 and Horizon Europe, Life, JPI - Joint Programming Initiatives, ERA-NET Cofund) and thematic collaboration initiatives managed by international organizations such as, for example , the FAO - GFCM (General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean). The Institute also develops funded projects in the context of collaborations with private companies in the sectors of the blue economy as well as technology transfer and research results. Research projects, mainly of a collaborative nature, are developed through a wide network of partners that include major Italian and foreign research institutions and universities.
