Member of the Oceano Azul Foundation’s Board of Directors and its Chief Scientist is a marine ecologist and conservationist, expert in marine conservation and in particular the creation, monitoring and implementation of marine protected areas in several regions, including discussions on the high seas. Associate Professor at ISPA – Instituto Universitário and researcher at MARE – Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre. Was deputy-head of the Portuguese Task Group for Maritime Affairs that developed the Portuguese National Ocean Strategy and coordinator of the EU Group that led the negotiations which approved the CBD Scientific Criteria for Identifying Ecologically or Biologically Significant Areas (EBSAs) in the marine realm. Is a member of the Portuguese National Council of Environment and Sustainable Development.