Tell us a bit about the work you’ll be doing at CCMAR:

I will work on the Octopus vulgaris trap fisheries optimization in South Portugal, through a multidisciplinary thesis focusing on bait effectiveness, residence times, catch rates and bycatch. Sea experimental fishing, laboratory experiences and biological sampling onboard commercial fishing vessels will be carried out. New insights on octopus’ behaviour, innovative telemetry transmitters implantation practices and better animal welfare recovery conditions are expected. This integrative thesis will be done in cooperation with IPMA, DGRM and MAR2020 PARTICIPESCA project.

What were you doing before you joined us?

Before this PhD thesis, the last 7 years were at CCMAR, dedicated to cephalopods aquaculture research improvement through SEPIABREED, SEPIATECH and SEPIACUL projects. As a scientific research studentship, I had focused my expertise on the reproductive performance maximization of European cuttlefish, but also, behavioral analysis, productivity, welfare conditions in captivity and the adaptation of new technologies applicable to this particular group of marine animals.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Outside work, I appreciate my friend’s company doing something fun. I spent my free time on walks in natural surroundings, aquarism, DIY crafts, wood works and searching new items for my Marvel collections. Sometimes, I do sport fishing and archery practice, but going to cinema or a pc game sounds good too!