Paula Canal-Vergés

Paula Canal-Vergés is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Southern Denmark, where she conducts research in marine ecology, biodiversity, and ecological modeling. Her work integrates Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and sustainability science to support coastal restoration and conservation in Danish and international contexts.

• Master in Biology, University of Navarra (awarded 2007)
• Research Sufficiency in Aquatic Biology and Sustainability, University of Oviedo (awarded 2008)

Her research focuses on marine ecosystem restoration, particularly seagrass (eelgrass) and mussel bed rehabilitation, ecological modeling of coastal systems, and the impacts of climate change on wetlands. She applies GIS-based spatial analysis to assess blue carbon potential and restoration feasibility. Her interdisciplinary work bridges ecology, technology, and policy.

The most recent publications highlight a strong trend toward applied marine restoration science, with emphasis on eelgrass transplantation, mussel bed resilience, sea-level rise impacts, and legal frameworks for marine interventions. These works are primarily centered in Denmark and contribute to national and regional environmental policy.

Paula Canal-Vergés actively participates in research projects funded by government and regional institutions, including Innovationsfonden and the Danish Environmental Protection Agency. She contributes to public outreach through media and presentations, enhancing the societal impact of her work.

• Vejle Kommune - Field Collection and Preliminary Hotspot Analyses (2022–2025)
• BlueOFS - Blue Carbon Storage in Danish Marine Ecosystems (2022–2025)
• Odense Kommune - Future Monitoring Proposals for Odense Fjord (2024)
• Kystvandrådet for Odense Fjord (2023)
• Nyborg Kommune - Co-financed Research Agreement (2022–2023, Project Manager)

She has collaborated extensively with institutions such as DTU Aqua and COWI A/S, and her network includes ecologists, policymakers, and environmental consultants. Her work supports the development of marine nature-based solutions and sustainable coastal management.