OceanExpert ID : 90656
Dr. Irena FONDA
CEO, researcher
Zavod YouSea, zavod za ohranjanje biodiverzitete morja
Seča 112
6320 Pororož
Slovenia
Nationality
Slovenia
Email(s)
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Telephone
0038641502616
ORCID :
0000-0003-2067-3977
PhD
Institutional Management
Biological Oceanography, Marine Ecology
Fisheries, Aquaculture
Molecular Biology
My work focuses on marine biodiversity conservation, sustainable aquaculture, and ocean literacy in the Adriatic Sea. As co-founder and director of the YouSea Institute, I lead initiatives that connect Biological Oceanography, Marine Ecology, Fisheries, Aquaculture and Molecular Biology through both research and practice. A key example is Sea Oasis Piran, an active marine biodiversity restoration measure that supports habitat enhancement while also contributing to the development of more sustainable mariculture approaches. I also lead the national Blue Schools programme, which strengthens ocean literacy through educational activities, public engagement and closer links between science, society and the sea. My background further includes fisheries research, aquaculture development, and earlier work in molecular biology and biomedicine, which together support my interdisciplinary approach to marine issues.
Mediterranean Sea - Western Basin
Mediterranean Sea - Eastern Basin
Adriatic Sea
My professional skills include marine conservation leadership, sustainable aquaculture development, project design and coordination, science communication, and the creation of educational programmes linked to the marine environment. I have extensive experience in working across sectors, connecting research, field practice, public outreach, tourism and stakeholder engagement. I am also experienced in developing innovative projects, leading multidisciplinary teams, and translating complex marine topics into practical actions and accessible learning experiences for diverse audiences.
English
Italian
Slovenian
The Ocean Literacy self-paced training courses would be highly valuable for my professional work. They would help me further strengthen and update my knowledge in ocean literacy, educational approaches, governance perspectives and communication tools, which are all directly relevant to our work in marine conservation, the development of Sea Oasis Piran, and the Blue Schools programme. The opportunity to build on these areas through flexible, high-quality training would support us in improving our activities and expanding their impact in both professional and public contexts.