PhD student | Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon | Portugal
Strengths for the Award
Ms. Sahar Chebaane’s work in marine ecology, specifically on non-indigenous marine species (NIS), demonstrates significant contributions to marine bioinvasion monitoring and management. Her extensive research across multiple regions, such as the Mediterranean, Red Sea, and Arabian Gulf, is particularly valuable given the global challenge of invasive species in marine environments. Leading projects like the first MarineGEO site in Tunisia and developing innovative tools such as the Remote Video Foraging System (RVFS) shows her capacity for innovation and leadership. With 17 publications in indexed journals and active participation in international collaborations, her work is impactful and policy-relevant.
๐ Short Bio
Ms. Sahar Chebaane is a dedicated marine ecologist and PhD student at the University of Lisbon, Portugal, focusing on marine bioinvasions in coastal ecosystems. With expertise in non-indigenous species (NIS), she has contributed to several high-impact publications and ongoing international collaborations. Sahar is currently a research visitor at KAUST, working on projects in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf. She also leads the first MarineGEO site in the southern Mediterranean, focusing on biosecurity and marine conservation efforts.
๐ค Profile
Scholar
๐ Education
Sahar holds a dual masterโs degree in Biodiversity and Marine Sciences, coupled with an international PhD from the University of Lisbon. Her academic journey is marked by strong interdisciplinary expertise, which she applies in both marine ecology and biosecurity frameworks. Her current PhD research extends her deep understanding of NIS and their impact on local ecosystems.
๐ผ Experience
Sahar has played a pivotal role in 8 completed research projects and is actively engaged in updating species lists of ascidians and NIS in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf. She also leads consultancy projects related to biodiversity monitoring and NIS management, applying cutting-edge tools like the Remote Video Foraging System (RVFS). As the Principal Investigator for the MarineGEO site in Tunisia, she drives sustainable management practices and oversees field deployments of the SERC protocol.
๐ฌ Research Interest
Her research centers on the impacts of non-indigenous species (NIS), particularly in the Mediterranean, Atlantic, and Red Sea regions. She is interested in how NIS interact with local marine ecosystems, developing innovative methods for risk assessments and biosecurity. Her work also focuses on ecological interactions, which inform conservation strategies and policies to manage invasive species more effectively.
๐ Awards
Sahar has been nominated for several prestigious awards, including the Marine Scientist Awards for her groundbreaking work in marine ecology and bioinvasions. Her contributions to NIS research and marine conservation have earned her recognition in various international platforms.
๐ Publications
- A Preliminary Inventory of Alien and Cryptogenic Species in Monastir Bay, Tunisia (2019) โ Published in Mediterranean Marine Science, cited by 26 articles. Read here.
Prompt: Spatial distribution and pathways of invasive species in Tunisia.
- From Plates to Baits: Using a Remote Video Foraging System to Study NIS Dynamics (2022) โ Published in Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, cited by 12 articles. Read here.
Prompt: Innovation in studying non-indigenous species with RVFS.
- The First Record of Brown Macroalga Rugulopteryx Okamurae in Madeira Island (2022) โ Published by REABIC, cited by 11 articles. Read here.
Prompt: First sightings of invasive macroalgae in the Madeira Archipelago.
- A New Signal of Tropicalization in the Northeast Atlantic: Spread of Spotfin Burrfish (2021) โ Published in Diversity, cited by 8 articles. Read here.
Prompt: Expansion of tropical fish in the Northeast Atlantic.
- New Record of Invasive Amphipod Caprella Scaura in Tunisia (2018) โ Published in Journal of the Black Sea/Mediterranean Environment, cited by 8 articles. Read here.
Prompt: First reported sighting of an invasive amphipod species in North Africa.
๐ Conclusion
Sahar Chebaane is a prominent figure in marine ecology, specializing in bioinvasions and non-indigenous species management. Her multidisciplinary approach and innovative methods, such as using the RVFS for NIS dynamics, have made significant contributions to both academic research and practical conservation efforts. Her leadership in the MarineGEO project and ongoing collaborations reflect her commitment to marine conservation and sustainable management practices across global regions.