MALLOL MARTÍNEZ, Sandra

CV Summary

I obtained my degree in biology from the University of Girona, Spain in 1995; and I completed my doctoral research at the same university in 2005 working on trawling discards and gear selectivity improving methods. During my PhD development (1997-2002) I worked at the University of Girona as a professor assistant at the Animal Biology Department. In 2002 I obtained a contract, at the Oceanographic Centre of the Balearic Islands, one of the coastal centres of the Spanish Institute of Oceanography, to work in the previous studies on small scale fisheries needed before the creation on the marine reserve of Levante de Mallorca – Cala Rajada (2002-2004). After this period I pass through different types of contracts, from freelance scientist working for the Balearic Islands governmental Fisheries Department and for the General Secretariat of Fisheries in Spain, to fisheries technician and onboard observer in artisanal fisheries.

My current role is tenured researcher at the Oceanographic Centre of the Balearic Islands, where I obtained a permanent technician position in 2010 and I promoted to researcher assistant in 2018 at the RESMARIEO research group, being in charge of all the work associated to research projects focused on Small Scale Fisheries and Marine Protected Areas, derived from more than 36 projects at EU, national and regional level.

My research interests span characterization and management of small scale fisheries, improvement of fisheries methodology and gears selectivity, determination of SSF fishing footprint and mitigation of their impacts on habitats. The main objectives of my current research lines are: i) Characterize SSF and establish their footprint in the Levantino-Balear region; ii) to develop innovative technical improvements in gears and fishing tactics used by SSF contributing to the mitigation of their impacts on species and habitats; iii) to improve the management of SSF to make it compatible with the sustainability of habitats and species in MPAs and RN2000 sites, advising national and regional governments on legislative changes; iv) to improve the knowledgement of the biology, ecology and fisheries in SSF of large decapods subject to fishing regulation (such as European spiny lobster) in order to promote the implementation of a Management Plan at the Mediterranean level.

Since 2008 I am member of the Monitoring Committee of the Llevant de Mallorca Marine Reserve and since 2017 of the Working Group on Small-Scale Fisheries (SAC-FAO-CGPM), the Menorca GALP Assessment Committee and the scientific manager of the SSF monitoring programme at the Coastal and Marine Research Station Jaume Ferrer placed in Menorca Island.

Along my researcher carrier I have participated in 66 scientific surveys at sea onboard oceanographic and fishing vessels, leading 48 of them, gathering a large scientific and technical experience in field work, especially in activities in collaboration with the fishing sector, the design and management of commercial fishery databases, onboard sampling, improving selectivity of the gears, and tagging and recapture techniques.

In addition to scientific activity, also I participated in teaching activities as a lecturer in the University of Balearic Islands and the University of Girona in several postgraduate Masters on Marine Ecology (UIB), Analysis, Planning and Management in Coastal Areas (UIB) and Environment (UdG). I have also taught fishing biology at the Balearic Islands Nautical and Fishing School (2005-2010).

Moreover, I actively participate in various science dissemination events through radio and television programmes, print and digital media, blogs and workshops.

Update in May 2023