https://dev.oceanexpert.org/expert/56404

ORCID : 0000-0002-1466-3871

MSc

Technical Advice & Consulting

Biological Oceanography, Marine Ecology
Fisheries, Aquaculture
Pollution

Marine invasive species are establishing populations mainly in enclosed disturbed ecosystems, such as ports, enclosed gulfs or aquaculture facilities. Although the monitoring of these ecosystems and inventorying invasive species is of major importance, cannot offer solutions in continuous expansion and dispersion of non-indigenous species (NIS). The mitigation of impacts or suppressing expansion of invaders is among the priorities of EU legislation, but stakeholders cannot act towards this direction because of lucking information regarding life-cycle characteristics of marine species.

The importance of studying the biology of invasive species was discussed in EuroMarine workshop Management of bioinvasions in the Mediterranean Sea-The way forward (Ischia, Naples, Italy). In this workshop, I have presented a poster entitled as “Searching for biological characteristics of benthic Mediterranean exotic species: extensive gaps in knowledge”. In “Ischia declaration” (http://eu.oceana.org/sites/default/files/421/oceana_ischia_declaration.pdf, assessed on 16/03/2017) is stated that: “collect post-introduction information on bio-ecological features and impacts of NIS”. The above statement mentioned the need of comparative studies focused on biological characteristics of native and NIS.

The study of biological characteristics of NIS and the “profile” of benthic Mediterranean invader (submitted paper) were the objectives of my master thesis. In this scientific literature search, 45 different traits were collected, regarding life-cycle, biology and ecology of invaders. Among outcomes of this dissertation are the extensive gaps in knowledge and the variability of biology and ecology traits that could be beneficial in competition for resources and space with native Mediterranean species. The underfunding of proposals regarding biology and ecology is suspending in mitigation of impacts or suppressing expansion of invasive species. These proposals are cheap from technical view. The successful completion of my PhD thesis depends on self funding. That is the main reason that I apply for Leventis’ Foundation scholarship, in order to cover part of the cost of living.

The contribution of my PhD dissertation is to indicate the unique traits that favoring invasive species to get established in the possible overlapping ecological niches. Furthermore, this would be a useful tool towards mitigation of impacts of invaders in ecosystem. The investigation of the objectives will include field sampling and laboratory experiments on the comparative study of biological characteristics of the species.

During my early scientific career I actively participated in several field samplings, with different research goals and different biological communities. I also had the opportunity to participate in research projects involving experimental designs and multiple questions. Indicatively I participated in mesocosm experiments (HCMR, Crete) and the sampling with R/V FILIA. My participation in research groups led to my first publication, as co-author entitled: “A novel mesocosm setup for benthic-pelagic coupling experiments” (Limnology and Oceanography: Methods, doi :10.1002/lom3.10163).

Experimental ecology is a confined field in Greece. Working on experimental ecology strengthened after ERASMUS+ traineeship entitled “Experimental design and experiments in invasion ecology” (GEOMAR, Kiel). During this period I develop skills in handling invasive species and performing demanding experiments.

In my following scientific career, I would like to extend experimental ecology significantly along with other scientists creating new working groups between different research institutions of my country and abroad.

Mediterranean Sea - Western Basin
Aegean Sea

-sampling design
-outdoor sampling
-performing experiments
-lecturer
-workshop instructor

English
Greek

Google Scholar
ResearchGate

https://marineecologyuoc.weebly.com/lab-group.html