Poster

Abstract

JNCC is responsible for identifying and providing conservation advice on MPAs in UK offshore waters. We provide advice to the UK Government and the devolved administrations, Public Authorities and sea users on activities in the marine environment. Our role also includes assisting the UK Government in liaising with European Union Member States over the management of sites whose boundaries are next to protected sites in their waters.

We use the best available evidence to develop our conservation advice for each site, undertaking survey, monitoring and assessment work so our advice reflects any changes in the ecological condition of the site or its features.

In this seminar, I will describe the work done by JNCC in coordinating the implementation of the UK MPAs network and the scientific challenges faced.

Short CV

I am a marine biologist with more than 20 years of experience in marine conservation. I got a Licenciatura science degree at the Aveiro University, a Masters degree in Coastal Management at University of Algarve and a PhD in Wildlife management at Auburn University, USA.

I worked in the Natural Park of Ria Formosa for 5 years leading the environmental education programme. I worked at CCMAR for 12 years where I participated in several projects related with seagrass ecology. From 2007 to 2012, I managed the Life Biomares project in the Marine Park Professor Luiz Saldanha, Arrábida.

At present, I work for the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) in the United Kingdom.In the last 5 years, I have been involved in providing conservation advice, setting managerial goals, developing monitoring and improved scientific assessment methods for the UK offshore MPAs Network.

Besides my professional background, I have been involved with nature conservation for 25 years as a volunteer. I served as Chair of the National Board of “Liga para a Protecção da Natureza” (LPN) from 2009 to 2013.  In 2012, I was awarded the honour prize "Terre des Femmes 2012", from Yves Rocher Foundation, for my work as a conservationist, and the “Women Activa Award 2012” for community support.