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Ivan is a Marine Biologist with a PhD in Model Organism Research for Biomedical Applications from the University of Naples Federico II, in collaboration with the Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn (SZN) in Naples, Italy. Applying an Evo-Devo framework to both established and emerging model systems, he has developed extensive experience in molecular biology and gene expression analysis. His technical repertoire spans targeted techniques — such as in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, and RT-qPCR— as well as high-throughput -omics applications, including RNA-sequencing, metabarcoding, and environmental DNA (eDNA), using both manual and automated liquid-handling technologies.

Currently working as a Research Assistant at the Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Ivan is actively involved in field sampling protocols for anchored Fish Aggregating Device (aFAD) research. His work within the framework of the LIFE OASIS project in the Marine Protected Area (MPA) Isole di Ventotene e Santo Stefano (central Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy) encompasses eDNA collection, epibiont profiling, photo-identification, acoustic recording, and aerial drone monitoring.

Marta is a physical oceanographer and postdoctoral researcher at the Mediterranean Institute for Advanced Studies (IMEDEA, UIB-CSIC). She holds a PhD in Oceanography and Global Change from the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, where her research focused on ocean circulation, transport processes, and marine connectivity in the Southern Ocean.

Her current work within LIFE OASIS applies oceanographic modelling, Lagrangian techniques, and connectivity analyses to investigate the transport and dispersal of abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) in the Mediterranean Sea and assess the associated risks to protected marine species.

She is passionate about understanding how ocean dynamics shape marine ecosystems and using ocean science to support conservation and management actions.

It’s been a busy week, with the team carrying out a marine survey, taking part in eDNA sampling training, retrieving abandoned, lost or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG), attending two sea turtle releases in Gozo, and working alongside fishers to attach GPS trackers to their boats.

These activities help us better understand the FAD fishery and the marine environment, so that we can develop practical conservation solutions alongside the people who know the sea best.

But behind the science, there is also a team spending their days working together at sea. So we asked Jacqueline, Antonia, Eva and Irati:

“What do you enjoy most about working at sea?”

Eva Horcajo Berná is a marine biologist with a BSc in Biology from the University of Alicante and an MSc in Marine Sciences from the University of Milano-Bicocca (Italy).

Her professional experience includes working on sea turtle conservation programs in Costa Rica, Greece, and Malaysia, as well as coral reef rehabilitation projects. She has also participated in bird census activities, contributing to avian monitoring and conservation efforts.

She is also a certified Divemaster and drone pilot. Her research interests include marine ecology, conservation biology, remote sensing for environmental monitoring, and the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems.

She is currently working as a research technician and she is closely involved in the trials at sea in the framework of the LIFE OASIS project.

Our partners at the University of Pisa have been working with local fishers in Portopalo di Capo Passero and Marzamemi as part of LIFE OASIS.

Awareness materials were displayed in local harbours, sharing information on sea turtle rescue, lost fishing gear and ways for fishers to get involved in the project.

Three Satlink buoys were also deployed in collaboration with three local fishers, and the LIFE OASIS team documented aFADs commonly used in the area as part of the work on the “oasis effect”.

Mar Izquierdo – Marine Scientist

Mar Izquierdo is a marine scientist, currently working as a technician for the LIFE OASIS Project and as a PhD candidate researching threats to marine vertebrates, with a particular focus on marine turtles and cetaceans.

For the past seven years, she has been involved in projects on plastic ingestion and fisheries bycatch affecting sea turtles within the Marine Zoology Unit at the University of Valencia in collaboration with other institutions.

Through this work, she has gained experience working with the fishing sector to support marine conservation.

She is also involved in the team managing marine turtle nesting in the Valencia region.

Nature Trust – FEE Malta has deployed two anchored Fish Aggregating Devices (aFADs), equipped with a Satlink buoy, together with a local fisher.

Weekly sea surveys will now begin to monitor them and document the “oasis effect”.

The fisher also visited NTM’s wildlife rescue centre and is keen to learn how to safely handle sea turtles encountered at sea. A workshop with local fishers will follow soon!