Persistent Digital Identifiers (UIDs)
ORCID :
0000-0001-7800-7059
Job Type
Teaching/Education
Research
Natural Resource Management
Subject Area
Biological Oceanography, Marine Ecology
Pollution
Activities
I am an Assistant Professor and Marine Ecologist with over 25 years of experience in marine conservation, aquatic biodiversity, and coastal ecosystem management across the Mediterranean and Southeast Asian regions. My core research activities focus on the conservation biology of threatened marine species, ecosystem-based management, and coastal biodiversity monitoring.
Key research activities and specializations include:
Marine Turtle & Seabird Conservation: Extensive research on sea turtle nesting, distribution, and protection strategies. I served as the National Project Coordinator for the Libyan Sea Turtle Program and contribute as an active member of three IUCN Specialist Groups (Marine Turtles, Protected Areas, and Flamingos) as well as the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Seabird Working Group.
Coastal & Marine Ecosystem Assessment: Expertise in biodiversity monitoring and evaluation, having led and contributed to marine ecological assessments under UNEP-MAP, SPA/RAC, IUCN, and WWF frameworks. My work includes revising Ecosystem Approach (EcAP) Integrated Monitoring and Assessment Programmes (IMAP) and leading sub-regional syntheses like the Post-2020 SAP-BIO project across the Ionian-Central Mediterranean.
Marine Pollution & Water Quality: Active involvement in synthesizing national baseline reports on marine pollutants from land-based sources to support regional environmental policies.
Aquatic Fauna & Fisheries Biology: Academic research background encompassing fish biology, marine invertebrates, and aquatic zoology, supported by extensive post-graduate studies (Ph.D. from University of Hull, M.Res. from University of Leeds, and M.Sc. from University of Tripoli).
Protected Area & Policy Integration: Research-to-policy integration focusing on Marine Protected Area (MPA) planning, socio-economic environmental impact, and multilateral environmental agreements (including UNEP-MAP, Barcelona Convention, and AEWA).
Sea regions of study
Mediterranean Sea - Western Basin
Mediterranean Sea - Eastern Basin
Skills
Marine & Environmental Leadership: Over 25 years of experience in regional marine conservation, strategic policy development, and managing protected areas under international frameworks like UNEP-MAP and the Barcelona Convention.
Scientific Research & Data Analysis: Expertise in biodiversity monitoring, marine ecology assessments, and environmental pollution analysis using tools such as SPSS and ArcGIS.
Multilateral Project Management: Proven ability to lead international and regional projects funded by the EU, GEF, and UN agencies, bridging technical science with socio-economic policy.
Academic & Capacity Building: Skilled in university-level lecturing, curriculum modernization, postgraduate research supervision, and training CSOs and NGOs in conservation management.
Multilingual Communication: Native fluency in Arabic, fluent in English (speaking, writing, reading, and listening), and beginner-level French.
Comment(s)
With over 25 years of experience spanning academic leadership, marine ecology, and international environmental governance, my background bridges scientific research with high-level multilateral policy execution across the Mediterranean and Southeast Asian regions. Direct operational involvement with global bodies—including UNEP-MAP, SPA/RAC, IUCN, and the Barcelona Convention—demonstrates my capability to translate complex marine data and IMAP frameworks into actionable regional conservation strategies. Having served as Head of Marine Conservation and Senior Adviser to Libya's Ministry of Environment, alongside academic positions in the UK, Malaysia, and Libya, I bring a cross-regional perspective, proven leadership in EU- and GEF-funded projects, and a strong commitment to capacity building and postgraduate mentorship. Joining the OceanExpert directory aligns directly with my ongoing work in marine protected areas, biodiversity monitoring, and multilateral policy, allowing me to contribute meaningfully to IOC/UNESCO’s global network of marine professionals.
