Rodrigo Riera Elena

Rodrigo Riera Elena is a University Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. His research focuses on marine biodiversity, climate change impacts, and the ecological dynamics of coastal and oceanic ecosystems. He is affiliated with the GIR ECOAQUA research group (Biodiversity and Conservation) and the IU of Sustainable Aquaculture and Ecological Research.

Key research interests include: marine invertebrate ecology, effects of human activities on coastal ecosystems, limpet and mollusc population dynamics, and the conservation of seagrass and macroalgal habitats. He leads studies on the resilience of rhodolith beds and their ecosystem services in oceanic archipelagos, as part of the 2022-2025 project Hábitats Popcorn funded by Spain's Ministry of Science and Innovation.

His work integrates field observations, experimental approaches, and modeling to address pressing ecological questions. Notable contributions include studies on invasive species, fisheries sustainability, and the effects of warming oceans on marine communities. He maintains an active presence in science communication through public outreach initiatives and collaborations with international research networks.

Laboratory and fieldwork affiliations include the Department of Biology's marine ecology lab and collaborations with institutions in Chile, Iran, and the Arabian Gulf. His research has been published in high-impact journals and presented globally at conferences focused on marine conservation and climate change adaptation.