Overview

I am a marine biologist and conservationist, developing research on sea turtle spatial ecology and migration. Committed to marine and environmental conservation since 2002, I have been developing and managing research and conservation programs, focusing on sea turtles and marine and coastal ecosystems in Oman, Brazil, Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea Bissau and São Tomé and Príncipe, in several remarkable international organisations. Through these years of working experiences, I have been developing scientific research initiatives towards conservation and a comprehensive community-based marine conservation program that integrates research, ecological monitoring and protection of critical sites, but also close societal impact by developing environmental education and conservation awareness.

Qualifications

MSci Marine Ecology, University of Lisbon, Portugal, 2012.

Career

2016 – to present Programa Tatô São Tomé and Príncipe (Director and co-founder)

2012 – 2021 Institute of Biodiversity and Protected Areas Guinea Bissau (Technical assistant)

2011 – 2012 MSci researcher Marine Ecology, University of Lisbon, Portugal

2008 & 2011 SOS Tartarugas Cape Verde (Technical advisor)

2010 Fundação Projeto Tamar Brazil (Research and technical coordinator)

2007 – 2009 WCS Marine Conservation Program Angola (Research and technical coordinator)

2006 – 2007 MSci researcher Fisheries and Aquaculture, University of Lisbon, Portugal

2002 – 2005 Fundação Projeto Tamar Brazil (Coordination assistant)

1997 – 2002 BSci Marine Biologist and Fisheries, University of Algarve, Portugal

Research group links

• Marine Ecology

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Research

Research interests

I am interested in improving our knowledge of the sea turtle populations nesting and foraging in Sao Tome Island, in the Gulf of Guinea, West Central Africa. My research centres on understanding spatial and temporal movements, foraging grounds, reproductive ecology, and the impacts of anthropogenic threats. Multiple methods, such as site-based monitoring, mark-recapture, telemetry, genetics and stable isotopes and an evaluation of environmental factors and anthropogenic threats will be used during this research. These methods when effectively combined will guide science-based conservation, management priorities and strategies, and define key protected areas.

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