I have a PhD in Biology and more than 16 years of professional experience in marine research, of which 13 years as a Researcher in the Institute of Marine Research, in Portugal, and 3 years as a Scientific Officer in the Directorate-General Joint Research Centre (DG JRC), European Commission (Italy). I participated actively in scientific bodies, research groups and in six EU funded R&D projects. I was part of scientific committees and liaised with Commission services, translating scientific and technical analysis into the development, implementation, and evaluation of European policies, such as the Common Fisheries Policy, the Water Framework Directive, and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive.
When I moved to Brussels as a Project Adviser in EASME – Executive Agency for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, I gained hands-on experience in management of projects and studies funded by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund. Through procurement, grants management and budget support, I contributed extensively to implement studies on scientific advice for fisheries, blue economy, and ocean governance.
Since March 2018, I am a Union Fisheries Inspector in the Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE), European Commission, where I actively contribute to the development, negotiation, implementation and enforcement of fisheries control policy and legislation. I carry out and follow up on audits, verifications, and inspections (including at sea and in port) of fisheries in the EU Member States. With enthusiasm and dedication, I am responsible to support the digital transition of fisheries control. I am also the focal point for control and inspection matters in the Black Sea and Levant Sea, and I am in regular contact and in close collaboration with fisheries authorities, Advisory Councils, NGOs, and fishers’ associations.