Researcher at CNR-IRBIM, he conducts research in fisheries biology, marine resource ecology, and fish stock assessment and management. His scientific activity focuses particularly on marine populations targeted by fisheries, the analysis of biological and fisheries data, and the application of stock assessment models and management strategies to support the sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources.
He contributes to monitoring and data collection activities within the MEDITS and CampBiol programmes and, within MEDITS, has served as scientific lead for at-sea surveys in GSA 16. He is a member of national and international scientific working groups within the GFCM and ICES frameworks. Within the GFCM, he serves as Chair of the Vertebrates Subgroup of the Working Group on Stock Assessment of Demersal Species (WGSAD) and as Stock Coordinator for European hake (Merluccius merluccius) and deep-water rose shrimp (Parapenaeus longirostris) stocks in the Strait of Sicily.
His research activities also include studies on the effects of climate change and environmental variability on marine resources, as well as the monitoring of alien species.
The LIFE ELIFE project aims to improve the conservation of elasmobranch species (sharks and rays) by promoting better conservation practices in the context of professional fishing in the Mediterranean Sea, through the implementation of pilot and demonstration actions in several Italian ports.
Supporting political and operational decisions in the fisheries sector in order to contribute to the protection of marine ecosystems and the economic well-being of the communities involved
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.
