Jose Maria Fariñas-Franco

Jose Maria Fariñas-Franco is a Lecturer in Applied Freshwater and Marine Biology at the Department of Natural Resources & The Environment, Athlone Technology University (ATU), and Principal Investigator at the Marine and Freshwater Research Centre (MFRC). With over 23 years of experience, he bridges academic and industrial marine research, focusing on coastal marine biodiversity, keystone species conservation, and ecological restoration using aquaculture. He chairs the final year of the Applied Freshwater and Marine Biology Honours Degree.

Education:

• PhD in Natural Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast (2008–2012), Thesis: 'The Importance of Keystone Species in the Ecological Restoration of Marine Habitats: A Case Study Using the Reef Forming Mollusc Modiolus modiolus.'

Research Interests: His work centers on marine coastal habitats' resilience to human impacts, emphasizing keystone species like native oysters, horse mussels, seagrass, and kelp. He explores their role in biogenic habitats and advocates for nature-based solutions through aquaculture. Recent projects include oyster reef restoration, kelp aquaculture effects, and mitigating ecological impacts of seaweed harvesting.

Publications Overview: His research spans marine ecology, conservation biology, and restoration strategies. Notable themes include oyster reef collapse, site selection for restoration, and indicators for subtidal bivalve habitats. His work addresses climate change and human activity impacts on marine ecosystems.

Grants & Awards: He secures competitive funding (e.g., IRC, Royal Society-SFI Fellowships) for PhD/postdoc research. Collaborations span Europe, Canada, and the Caribbean.

Labs & Teams: He leads the MFRC, coordinating interdisciplinary projects on marine ecology and restoration. His group actively engages in field surveys, lab-based experiments, and policy advocacy for sustainable marine management.