Meet the MISSION ATLANTIC Scientists: Debbi Pedreschi, Lead on Atlantic Ocean Integrated Ecosystem Assessment (WP1), and the Celtic Seas and All-Atlantic case studies.

Where are you from and where are you currently based?

I’m Irish, working in Galway, Ireland.

Academic background and research areas:

I am a senior post-doctoral researcher based at the Marine Institute in Galway, Ireland. I am also the Integrated Ecosystem Assessment Steering Group Chair at the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES). My background is in ecology, where I received my PhD working on the genetics and diet of freshwater fish. These days, I work more on socio-ecological systems, meaning I work more with the fishers than the fish.

Current role and work within MISSION ATLANTIC:

I am a work package leader on WP1 - Atlantic Ocean Integrated Ecosystem Assessment, and a case study leader on both the Celtic Seas and All-Atlantic case studies. In WP1 we focus scoping with stakeholders, identifying Atlantic socio-economic pathways, and coordinating across the case studies to make sure we are using coherent approaches to our IEA work. We are also responsible for the All-Atlantic synthesis, which requires us to coordinate with all other WPs in the project.

Do you have anything about the Atlantic Ocean you would like to share, or a favourite quote?

Being a fish out of water is tough, but that's how you evolve - Kumail Nanjiani.

Perfect is the enemy of good – Voltaire.

Favourite ocean fact:

The Irish word for jellyfish is smugairle róin – which means seal snot!

What is your highlight from the project so far?

The best part of working in Mission Atlantic is the people – we have an amazing consortium of inspired and inspiring scientists, and through the case studies are also working with a wide range of stakeholders invested in the sustainable future of our shared ocean. This has meant the work has been challenging, rewarding, and fun, as we learn from each other, and develop and tailor outputs that can be used in the real world to ensure the future of our blue spaces.

Contact details:

https://debbipedreschi.wixsite.com/debbipedreschi

https://twitter.com/DebbiPedreschi

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dpedreschi/

Watch the interview: