Patrícia Pinto

I am from Portugal, and I'm a master's student in Marine Ecology at the University of Lisbon.

My master's thesis seeks to explore the profound consequences of climate change on our oceans. Specifically, I am focused on understanding how climate change stressors affect the physiology and behaviour of cleaner fish, such as Centrolabrus exoletus, a species commonly found along the Portuguese coast. These fish play a crucial ecological role by removing parasites and dead tissue from other fish, helping to maintain the health and stability of marine ecosystems.

To address this issue, the study adopts a multidisciplinary approach. This includes collecting organisms in the field by diving into the natural habitats of these fish and conducting experiments in controlled environments to observe how these environmental changes impact their behaviour and physiology. This work not only aims to deepen our scientific understanding of the effects of climate change on marine biodiversity but also to provide essential data for the development of conservation and management strategies for marine resources along our coast.

I love spending time outdoors, and I am a big fan of camping, where I can disconnect and enjoy the tranquility of nature. Portuguese beaches are my refuge, especially when I can explore the ocean's depths through diving, a passion that allows me to closely observe the wonderful ecosystems I study. These moments in nature not only relax me but also inspire me to continue working for the conservation of our planet.