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.

🌊 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.

🎓 Education

Sahar holds a dual master’s 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.

💼 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.

🔬 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.

📚 Publications

A Preliminary Inventory of Alien and Cryptogenic Species in Monastir Bay, Tunisia (2019) – 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) – 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) – 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) – 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) – 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.

📝 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.

Prof Dr. Zacharie SOHOU | Marine Ecosystem Services Marine Biology | Best Researcher Award

Biologist Oceanographer | Institut de Recherches Halieutiques et Océanologiques du Bénin (IRHOB) & University of Abomey-Calavi | Benin

Strengths for the Award 🌟

Professor Zacharie Sohou is a distinguished oceanographer and fisheries expert with over three decades of dedicated research and leadership in marine and coastal management. His prolific career includes directing the Institut de Recherches Halieutiques et Océanologiques du Bénin (IRHOB) and serving as the National Coordinator for multiple pivotal marine biodiversity initiatives across Africa. His expertise spans from the sustainable management of demersal fish stocks in the South Atlantic to championing marine mammal research. With a robust portfolio of over 15 influential publications, including studies on shrimp population dynamics and climate resilience in fisheries, Professor Sohou is a leader in the field who bridges the gap between scientific research and practical marine conservation. His extensive participation in international forums, including the United Nations Conferences on the Oceans and FAO’s fisheries assessments, underscores his global influence and commitment to addressing critical environmental challenges. His multilingual proficiency and command of advanced data analysis tools further amplify his impact, making him a highly deserving candidate for the “Best Researcher Award.” 🌍📊🐟

Short Bio 📜

Professor Zacharie Sohou is a distinguished Beninese oceanographer and fisheries expert, currently serving as the Director of the Institut de Recherches Halieutiques et Océanologiques du Bénin (IRHOB) under the Centre Béninois de la Recherche Scientifique et de l’Innovation (CBRSI). With a career dedicated to marine biodiversity, fisheries management, and oceanographic research, he is a Senior Lecturer at the Zoology Department of the Faculty of Science and Technology at Abomey-Calavi University. Professor Sohou plays a pivotal role in numerous international marine initiatives, including his contributions as the National Marine and Coastal Biodiversity Focal Point for the Marine Biodiversity Convention, Vice-Chair for IOCAFRICA, and National Coordinator for several key marine conservation projects.

Profile 👤

Orcid

Education 🎓

Professor Sohou’s academic journey began with an Engineer – Master of Science degree in Industrial Fisheries from the Technic Institute of Fisheries in Astrakhan, Russia, in 1989. He further advanced his expertise with a certification in Statistics Applied to Fisheries (Biostatistics) from the University of Moncton and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans in Canada in 1995. In 2010, he earned his Ph.D. in Oceanography-Fisheries from the Federal Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography (VNIRO) in Moscow, Russia, solidifying his expertise in marine sciences.

Experience 💼

Throughout his career, Professor Sohou has held various prominent roles in marine and coastal management. As Director of IRHOB, he oversees research and innovation in marine and fisheries sciences in Benin. He is actively involved in international marine biodiversity conventions and regional working groups, such as his role as Chairman of the Demersal Resources Regional Working Group South Atlantic CECAF/FAO. He has served as a consultant and expert on numerous projects, including the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGPE), regional fish stock assessments, and oceanographic data management initiatives.

Research Interest 🔍

Professor Sohou’s research interests span marine biodiversity, fisheries management, and the sustainable use of coastal and oceanic resources. He is deeply involved in the study of marine litter distribution, the impact of climate change on fisheries, and the dynamics of marine ecosystems. His work often focuses on practical applications that improve fisheries management and conservation efforts in West Africa, including the study of shrimp populations, fish stock assessments, and the environmental factors influencing marine biodiversity.

Awards 🏆

Professor Sohou’s dedication to marine sciences and fisheries management has earned him recognition and nominations in various international forums. His contributions to marine conservation and sustainable management of marine resources have been acknowledged through nominations for awards such as the Digital D4D Award by the Royal Museum of Central Africa.

Publications 📚

“Growth and reproduction of the shrimp population in a lagoon system in southern Benin (West Africa).” DOI: 10.1163/15685403-bja10354 — This study explores the reproductive patterns of shrimp species in Benin, contributing to sustainable fisheries management.

“Distribution model of shrimp species in Lake Nokoué, southern Benin, West Africa.” DOI: 10.1163/15685403-bja10304 — This publication models the habitat preferences of shrimp, aiding in conservation efforts.

“Addressing data gaps in marine litter distribution: Citizen science observation of plastics in coastal ecosystems by high-school students.” DOI: 10.3389/fmars.2023.1126895 — A study highlighting the role of citizen science in monitoring marine litter.

“First record of Polymixia nobilis Lowe, 1836 in Benin continental shelf (Gulf of Guinea).” DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.7311177 — This research identifies a new species on the Benin continental shelf, expanding the region’s known biodiversity.

“Characterization of a West African Coastal Lagoon System: Case of Lake Nokoué with Its Inlet (Cotonou, South Benin).” DOI: 10.3390/ecologies3040033 — This paper characterizes the physical and ecological properties of a critical lagoon system.

“Prediction of the distribution of shrimp species found in southern Benin through the Lake Nokoué-Ocean complex.” DOI: 10.37722/JAMBE.2022201 — A predictive model of shrimp species distribution that assists in resource management strategies.

📌 Conclusion

Professor Zacharie Sohou’s extensive experience, impactful research, and leadership in marine and fisheries science have positioned him as a key figure in the sustainable management of marine resources in West Africa. His contributions to international marine biodiversity initiatives and his dedication to educating the next generation of scientists continue to inspire advancements in oceanography and fisheries management.

Sahar Chebaane | Marine Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Sahar Chebaane | Marine Ecology | Best Researcher Award