Curriculum: Animal and Human Biology, and Ecology

Supervisor: Alessandro Cau

Co-Supervisor: Pierluigi Carbonara

Curriculum Vitae

Giulia received her Bachelor’s Degree (BSc) in Biology from the University of Cagliari, in 2020. During her BSc, she worked on a thesis titled “Bioinformatics methods of DNA barcoding for phylogenetic analysis of the Elapinae subfamily (Squamata)”, under the supervision of Prof. Paolo Francalacci.

In the same year, she started her Master’s Degree (MSc) programme in Marine Bio-Ecology at the University of Cagliari, graduating with the highest honours in 2022. Her MSc thesis, supervised by Prof. Alessandro Cau, was entitled “Changes in the vegetative response of Caulerpa cylindracea Sonder, 1845 and in microbial extracellular enzymatic activities in coastal marine sediments contaminated with tyre dust”. The research focused on the study of variations in quantity, biochemical composition, nutritional quality, and degradation rates of organic matter in coastal marine sediment impacted by both microplastics and biological invasions of Caulerpa cylindracea.

After completing her MSc, she took part in an interdisciplinary entrepreneurial education path entirely dedicated to Social Innovation (CPlus+), promoted by CREA UniCa (University Service Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship of the University of Cagliari) and then she passed the Italian state examination for the profession of Biologist.

In 2023, she won a research fellowship for the MEMBRANE Project “Microplastics Effects on Microbial BiodiveRsity ANd Ecosystem functioning: from knowledge to possible solutions”, under the supervision of Prof. Alessandro Cau.

Currently, she is attending the XXXIX cycle of PhD programme in Life, Environmental and Drugs Sciences (Animal and Human Biology, and Ecology Curriculum) under the supervision of Prof. Alessandro Cau with a project focused on the issue of animal welfare in aquaculture systems. Her research project is supported by a PNRR grant (M.D. n. 117/2023 M4C2 – Inv. 3.3, CUP F22B23000610005) within the framework of Innovative PhD programmes that address the innovation needs of enterprises and promote the employment of researchers by companies, funded by MUR and Fondazione COISPA ETS.

Research Topic

Analysis of the Well-being of Farmed Fish Species in the Mediterranean to Improve Risk Management and Aquaculture Sustainability

Abstract

Giulia D'Ascanio's research project focuses on the study of physiological and behavioural indicators of the health and welfare status of fish species farmed in the Mediterranean basin. With the increasing global population and consequent rise in fish consumption, aquaculture expansion is considered a viable option to limit environmental damage from overexploitation of natural fish stocks. A key factor for sustainable aquaculture facilities is maintaining an optimal state of health and welfare for farmed animals, assessed using 'Wellness Indicators' (WIs).

WIs can be biological or environmental, monitored through direct observations or sensors capable of collecting and sharing real-time information. The project's main objective is to expand knowledge regarding WIs for fish species commonly farmed in the Mediterranean basin. The aim is to prevent and manage risks related to animal discomfort caused by captivity, thereby contributing to the sustainability of the fish farming sector.

Specifically, the research will evaluate the potential relationship between fish health/welfare and three macro-categories of variables: species biology and ecology, physicochemical environmental parameters, and farming practices. The methodology includes a literature review, experimental design, experimentation and sampling (using non-invasive and/or invasive methods, including biosensors), laboratory analysis, and data processing.

This study aims to support the development of best-practices for aquaculture facility management, aligning with the sustainable development goals of Agenda 2030 (SDS 14 - "Life Below Water"). Achieving a valid compromise between productivity and sustainability in aquaculture is a starting point for reducing the overexploitation of natural fish stocks, leading to increased biodiversity and an improved marine ecosystem health.

Publications

IRIS: https://iris.unica.it/cris/rp/rp75349

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-6388-6135