XXXIX CICLO | Giovannetti Caterina

As a biologist with a specialization in Environmental Biology and Animal Behaviour, my journey has been a rich blend of fieldwork and laboratory research. My passion for ecology and understanding the interactions among living beings has been the driving force behind my academic and professional pursuits. I’ve explored animal behaviour both in captivity and in the wild, delving into the ecological movements of various species. Currently, my focus has shifted to the marine environment, where I am dedicated to investigating the biodiversity of marine protected areas. Employing modern laboratory techniques such as environmental DNA and metabarcoding, I aim to uncover the hidden diversity within these ecosystems. This interdisciplinary approach allows me to contribute to conservation efforts and deepen our understanding of marine ecology, paving the way for a conscious management of our sea.

Although about 9 percent of marine areas in the Mediterranean are designated as protected only 10 percent of them implement plans for adequate management. Only 0.03% of these areas are subject to a total ban on fishing, resource extraction and utilization. To ensure their effectiveness, guide their management measures and make proposals for designating new ones, it is essential to document the stability or improved health of the ecosystems. The use of eDNA is envisioned as an alternative to conventional methods, enabling a continuous, faster and more effective monitoring of biodiversity. The project focuses on the western Tyrrhenian Sea, specifically the coasts of Lazio and Tuscany. A total of more than 30 sites will be investigated. An ad hoc protocol for eDNA sample collection and analysis will be proposed and followed. The main objectives that will be pursued by the research program:

– To investigate differences in composition in communities based on the classification of MPAs (A,B,C) to understand the relative effectiveness of different management strategies;

– characterize temporal patterns of variation in community structure;

– generate a molecular reference database for continuous monitoring of invasive species and variations temporal patterns in their distribution