Amarachi Paschaline Onyena | Biodiversity And Conservation | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Amarachi Paschaline Onyena | Biodiversity And Conservation | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer | Nigeria Maritime University | Nigeria

Dr. Amarachi Paschaline Onyena’s research spans marine biology and aquatic environmental science, with a core focus on water sediment quality assessment, benthic macroinvertebrate ecology, ecotoxicology, molecular characterization, and environmental risk evaluation. Her work examines how pollutants such as heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and microplastics influence aquatic ecosystems, using integrated approaches that combine biomonitoring tools, molecular techniques, and analytical assessments to understand contamination pathways, ecological stress responses, and indicators of ecosystem degradation. She contributes extensive research on mangrove ecosystem dynamics, sediment biogeochemistry, and the role of macrobenthic communities as sensitive bioindicators of environmental change. Through field investigations, experimental analyses, and systematic reviews across diverse Nigerian aquatic environments, she provides evidence-based insights for pollution mitigation, microplastic monitoring, and sustainable aquatic resource governance. Her involvement in environmental risk assessments, consultancy-based evaluations, and collaborative marine studies supports policy development for coastal sustainability and blue-economy advancement. Contributions to global platforms, including work for the United Nations World Ocean Assessment, reflect her commitment to translating scientific findings into practical frameworks for ocean governance. With 590 citations, 29 indexed documents, and an h-index of 12, her growing research impact highlights her role in advancing marine pollution science, improving environmental monitoring frameworks, and promoting evidence-based strategies for resilient coastal and marine ecosystems.

Profiles : Google Scholar | Scopus

Featured Publication

Onyena, A. P., & Sam, K. (2020). A review of the threat of oil exploitation to mangrove ecosystem: Insights from Niger Delta, Nigeria. Global Ecology and Conservation, 22, e00961.

Onyena, A. P., Aniche, D. C., Ogbolu, B. O., Rakib, M. R. J., Uddin, J., & Walker, T. R. (2021). Governance strategies for mitigating microplastic pollution in the marine environment: A review. Microplastics, 1(1), 15–46.

Rakib, M. R. J., Rahman, M. A., Onyena, A. P., Kumar, R., Sarker, A., Hossain, M. B., … (2022). A comprehensive review of heavy metal pollution in the coastal areas of Bangladesh: Abundance, bioaccumulation, health implications, and challenges. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 29(45), 67532–67558.

Chris, D. I., Onyena, A. P., & Sam, K. (2023). Evaluation of human health and ecological risk of heavy metals in water, sediment and shellfishes in typical artisanal oil mining areas of Nigeria. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 30(33), 80055–80069.

Sam, K., Onyena, A. P., Zabbey, N., Odoh, C. K., Nwipie, G. N., Nkeeh, D. K., Osuji, L. C., … (2023). Prospects of emerging PAH sources and remediation technologies: Insights from Africa. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 30(14), 39451–39473.

The nominee’s work advances environmental sustainability by providing evidence-based insights into pollution risks affecting coastal and marine ecosystems. Their research supports stronger policies, healthier communities, and long-term ecosystem resilience.

Estelle Crochelet | Biodiversity and conservation | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Estelle Crochelet | Biodiversity and conservation | Best Researcher Award 

Scientific Director | University of Reunion Island | Reunion 

Dr. Estelle Crochelet’s research focuses on marine ecology, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable management of tropical and island ecosystems in the Western Indian Ocean. As a Marine Ecologist at the Biodiversity Research Agency of Réunion Island (ARBRE), she integrates field ecology, molecular analysis, and spatial modeling to study coral reef systems, mesophotic ecosystems, and species connectivity. Her pioneering application of environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques has transformed biodiversity monitoring by enabling the detection of rare and cryptic species such as sharks and rays, advancing ecosystem-based management and conservation planning. Through leadership roles in major initiatives including the IRRAE, MAEO, and CONCILIER programs, Dr. Crochelet has contributed to integrated coral reef management, linking ecological research with territorial planning and policy implementation. Her interdisciplinary work, combining marine biology, remote sensing, and ecological modeling, has generated valuable insights into habitat connectivity, reef resilience, and marine spatial planning. Collaborating with organizations such as IUCN, IRD, and the French Biodiversity Office, she has played a vital role in shaping regional conservation strategies and advancing scientific understanding of marine ecosystems. Widely published in prestigious journals such as Nature, Science, Environmental DNA, and Deep Sea Research, Dr. Crochelet’s work has global relevance, addressing the challenges of biodiversity loss and climate impacts on marine environments. Alongside her scientific achievements, she mentors emerging researchers, leads citizen science initiatives, and promotes public awareness of ocean conservation. A certified professional diver, rebreather user, and drone pilot, she combines technical field expertise with innovative research approaches, making significant contributions to sustainable marine governance and biodiversity preservation in the Southwestern Indian Ocean.

Profiles : Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

Crochelet, E., Desbonnes, O., Inçaby, L., Nazurally, N., Stevens, G., van Beuningen, D., Gadenne, J., Morand, G., Bertrand, G., & Nikolic, N. (2025). Biodiversity and conservation of elasmobranchs in the Mascarene Islands: Policy implementation and protection strategies. Ocean & Coastal Management, 262, 107921.

Crochelet, E., Barrier, N., Andrello, M., Marsac, F., Spadone, A., & Lett, C. (2020). Connectivity between seamounts and coastal ecosystems in the Southwestern Indian Ocean. Deep-Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography, 180, 104774.

Bourjon, P., Crochelet, E., & Fricke, R. (2019). First record of the large caerulean damselfish, Pomacentrus caeruleopunctatus (Actinopterygii: Perciformes: Pomacentridae), from Réunion Island, southwest Indian Ocean. Acta Ichthyologica et Piscatoria, 49(3), 293–297.

Queiroz, N., Humphries, N. E., Couto, A., Vedor, M., da Costa, I., Sequeira, A. M. M., Mucientes, G., Santos, A. M., Abascal, F. J., Abercrombie, D. L., et al. (2019). Global spatial risk assessment of sharks under the footprint of fisheries. Nature, 572(7770), 461–466.

Soria, M., Heithaus, M. R., Blaison, A., Crochelet, E., Forget, F., & Chabanet, P. (2019). Residency and spatial distribution of bull sharks Carcharhinus leucas in and around Réunion Island marine protected area. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 626, 85–97.

Dr. Estelle Crochelet’s research advances global marine conservation through innovative studies on elasmobranch ecology, connectivity, and policy implementation across the Mascarene and Western Indian Ocean. Her work bridges ecological modeling, spatial management, and biodiversity protection—informing sustainable fisheries, strengthening marine protected areas, and shaping evidence-based conservation strategies that safeguard ocean ecosystems and coastal livelihoods worldwide.

Marília Marques da Silva | Biodiversity | Best Researcher Award

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Mrs. Marília Marques da Silva | Biodiversity | Best Researcher Award

PhD Student at Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Brazil

Marília Marques da Silva is a dedicated and dynamic early-career researcher whose scholarly contributions to mesocarnivore ecology are both scientifically relevant and socially impactful. Her ability to integrate field ecology, statistical modeling, and conservation planning demonstrates the hallmarks of a future leader in biodiversity research. Her academic trajectory is grounded in excellence, with clear upward momentum evidenced by her international experiences and collaborations. While she is still building her publication record, the quality and focus of her work signal strong potential for impactful future contributions.

Professional Profiles

ORCID Profile | Google Scholar

Education

Marília Marques da Silva holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA). She earned her Master’s degree in Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation from the Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC), where she is currently pursuing her PhD in the same field. Her academic journey includes enriching international experiences through research internships at the Universidad de Málaga (Spain) during her undergraduate studies and at CIBIO – Universidade do Porto (Portugal) during her Master’s. Additionally, she has obtained an MBA in Project Management, demonstrating a strong interdisciplinary background that bridges science and strategic planning.

Experience

Marília has developed extensive field and analytical experience through her work on in situ and ex situ conservation projects, particularly focused on Neotropical mammals. Her Master’s research analyzed how environmental and anthropogenic variables influence mesocarnivore occupancy in the Atlantic Forest, while her PhD expands on this by examining coexistence mechanisms in forested landscapes. She has also participated in consultancy projects, including wildlife monitoring and rescue operations, in collaboration with environmental firms. These diverse roles have strengthened her expertise in fieldwork coordination, species monitoring, and ecological data analysis.

Award and Honor

While formal awards are not listed yet, Marília’s contributions have been recognized through research publications, including a peer-reviewed article in Perspectives in Ecology and Conservation (Elsevier/Scopus). She has published a book chapter based on her ecological fieldwork and is actively engaged in international collaborations with institutions in Europe and Brazil, including IPE, CENAP, and Pro-Carnívoros. Her growing academic visibility and research outputs highlight her as a promising early-career scientist in the field of tropical mammal conservation.

Research Focus

Marília’s research centers on the ecology and conservation of Neotropical meso- and large mammals, particularly in human-modified landscapes. Her work investigates the impacts of anthropogenic disturbances on mammalian distribution and behavior, using occupancy models, camera trap data, and ecological theory to inform conservation efforts. By exploring species interactions, resource use, and habitat partitioning, she aims to propose effective strategies that reconcile biodiversity preservation with sustainable development in threatened ecosystems like the Atlantic Forest.

Research Skill

Marília combines technical and soft skills that enhance her contribution to ecological research and conservation. Her competencies include field survey design, camera trapping, biodiversity monitoring, occupancy modeling, and spatial ecology. She is skilled in data analysis using statistical software and in managing collaborative research projects. Her academic foundation is supported by project management skills gained through her MBA. She also communicates effectively in multilingual environments, and her ability to work across international teams further enriches her professional profile.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Heterogeneity in mesocarnivore occupancy highlights the complexity of biodiversity changes in a threatened ecoregion
Authors: M. Marques, M. Magioli, P. Monterroso, G. Curveira-Santos, C.R. Cassano
Journal: Perspectives in Ecology and Conservation
Year: 2025

Conclusion

Peng Wu | Biodiversity and Conservation | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Peng Wu | Biodiversity and Conservation | Best Researcher Award 

Researcher at South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, China

Dr. Peng Wu, a distinguished researcher at the South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, has made significant contributions to the field of marine microbial ecology. With a Ph.D. from the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, his research focuses on the distribution, diversity, and functional roles of microorganisms in marine environments, particularly in the South China Sea. He has published 52 research articles, including 21 SCI-indexed papers, with 23 as first or corresponding author, reflecting his strong research leadership. His work includes isolating functional bacteria for pollutant degradation and studying the interaction between intestinal microbiota and environmental adaptability in marine species. Dr. Wu also serves as an Academic Editor for PLOS Water and BMC Microbiology, highlighting his recognition in the scientific community. His research provides valuable insights for environmental protection, sustainable fisheries, and marine ecosystem health, positioning him as a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Professional Profile 

Scopus Profile
ORCID Profile

Education

Dr. Peng Wu holds a strong academic background in marine and environmental sciences. He completed his Master of Philosophy degree from Jinan University, Guangzhou, China, in 2010, specializing in environmental microbiology. Subsequently, he pursued his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Guangzhou, China, in 2013. His academic journey has been deeply rooted in marine microbial ecology, where he developed expertise in the study of microbial communities and their functional roles in marine ecosystems. His advanced education laid a solid foundation for his scientific research, equipping him with essential skills in environmental microbiology, molecular techniques, and microbial ecology. Dr. Wu’s academic training has provided him with an in-depth understanding of microbial interactions in various marine environments, such as estuaries, coral reefs, and oil-contaminated sediments, which has become the core focus of his subsequent research career.

Professional Experience

Dr. Peng Wu is currently affiliated with the South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, where he has been actively engaged in marine microbial ecology research. Over the years, he has gained extensive experience working on multiple national and regional research projects related to environmental microbiology and marine ecosystem health. His professional expertise includes investigating the distribution, diversity, and ecological roles of microbial communities in various marine habitats such as the Pearl River Estuary, Daya Bay, and Xisha coral reefs. Additionally, he has isolated functional bacteria capable of degrading environmental pollutants like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and studied gut microbiota in marine species. Beyond research, Dr. Wu contributes to the academic community as an Academic Editor for PLOS Water and BMC Microbiology. His professional career demonstrates a commitment to advancing marine ecological research, with practical implications for pollution control, fisheries management, and marine environmental protection.

Research Interest

Dr. Peng Wu’s primary research interests lie in the field of marine microbial ecology, with a focus on understanding the structure, distribution, and function of microbial communities in diverse marine environments. His research investigates the role of microorganisms in environmental processes, including pollutant degradation, nutrient cycling, and ecological adaptation of marine species. A significant aspect of his work involves isolating functional bacteria such as humic-reducing and hydrocarbon-degrading strains from sediments and water bodies in the South China Sea. He is particularly interested in exploring the relationship between intestinal microbiota and the environmental adaptability of fish species in estuarine and coral reef ecosystems. Dr. Wu’s research contributes valuable knowledge to marine environmental protection, aquaculture sustainability, and bioremediation technologies. He is also engaged in studying the impact of human activities and environmental changes on microbial community dynamics, offering insights essential for conserving marine biodiversity and maintaining ecosystem stability.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Peng Wu has earned recognition in the scientific community through his dedicated research contributions, although specific awards and honors were not detailed in his profile. However, his role as an Academic Editor for renowned journals such as PLOS Water and BMC Microbiology signifies professional acknowledgment of his expertise and research excellence. Being entrusted with editorial responsibilities reflects his standing as a respected scientist within the field of environmental microbiology and marine science. Moreover, his impressive publication record, including 52 articles with 21 SCI-indexed papers and numerous first-author contributions, showcases his leadership in research. His research outputs, focusing on microbial ecology, pollutant degradation, and marine environmental health, underline his significant impact on the scientific community. While formal awards or patents were not explicitly mentioned, Dr. Wu’s editorial roles, consistent research productivity, and contributions to marine environmental science can be considered substantial honors that enhance his profile for prestigious research recognitions.

Conclusion

Dr. Peng Wu is an accomplished researcher with a strong academic background, extensive professional experience, and a clear research focus on marine microbial ecology. His work significantly contributes to understanding the role of microorganisms in marine ecosystems, particularly in environmental sustainability, pollutant degradation, and fish gut microbiome studies. His active participation in editorial roles for respected international journals reflects his recognition within the scientific community. Although formal awards or patents were not mentioned, his consistent research output, leadership in publications, and valuable findings in marine environmental research position him as a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His research not only advances scientific knowledge but also provides practical implications for environmental conservation, sustainable fisheries, and pollution management. Dr. Wu’s dedication, innovative research approach, and professional contributions make him a commendable researcher whose work continues to benefit marine science and environmental sustainability.

Publications Top Notes

  • Niche and interspecific association of dominant zooplankton species near the Taishan coastal area in the South China Sea
    Authors: Rui He, Bingqing Xiao, Ren Hu, Hongliang Tang, Jingxin Wei, Peng Wu
    Year: 2025
    Citation: Marine Environmental Research, 2025, DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2024.106929

  • Influence of different substrates on bacterial communities in coral reefs and surrounding environments of a coastal bay
    Authors: Peng Wu, Xiaojun Shi, Yang Gao, Xiaofei Xiong, Jinghuai Zhang
    Year: 2024
    Citation: Regional Studies in Marine Science, 2024, DOI: 10.1016/j.rsma.2024.103688

  • Distribution, community structure and assembly patterns of phytoplankton in the northern South China Sea
    Authors: Jian Zou, Yayuan Xiao, Peng Wu, Teng Wang, Lin Lin, Yu Liu, Yong Liu, Chunhou Li
    Year: 2024
    Citation: Frontiers in Microbiology, 2024, DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1450706

  • Distribution and co-occurrence networks of the bacterial community in sediment cores from the subtropical Daya Bay, China
    Authors: Peng Wu, Yong Liu, Chunhou Li, Qiushi Zheng, Yiguo Hong, Jiapeng Wu, Shannan Xu, Lin Lin, Yayuan Xiao, Teng Wang et al.
    Year: 2023
    Citation: Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2023, DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115580

  • Long-Term Variations of Biogenic Elements and Nutritional Status in Daya Bay, Northern South China Sea
    Authors: Zhicheng Guo, Yayuan Xiao, Yong Liu, Peng Wu, Chunhou Li
    Year: 2023
    Citation: Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 2023, DOI: 10.3390/jmse11050904

  • Comparative Mitogenome Analyses Uncover Mitogenome Features and Phylogenetic Implications of the Parrotfishes (Perciformes: Scaridae)
    Authors: Jiaxin Gao, Chunhou Li, Dan Yu, Teng Wang, Lin Lin, Yayuan Xiao, Peng Wu, Yong Liu
    Year: 2023
    Citation: Biology, 2023, DOI: 10.3390/biology12030410

  • Acanthopagrus latus migration patterns and habitat use in Wanshan Islands, Pearl River Estuary, determined using otolith microchemical analysis
    Authors: Guanglong Tang, Zehua He, Yong Liu, Yayuan Xiao, Sheng Bi, Ye Sun, Jiman Liang, Peng Wu, Teng Wang, Jinyu Ye et al.
    Year: 2023
    Citation: Frontiers in Marine Science, 2023, DOI: 10.3389/fmars.2023.1104528

  • Insights into the Relationship between Intestinal Microbiota of the Aquaculture Worm Sipunculus nudus and Surrounding Sediments
    Authors: Junwei Li, Suwen Chen, Peng Wu, Changbo Zhu, Ruiping Hu, Ting Li, Yongjian Guo
    Year: 2023
    Citation: Fishes, 2023, DOI: 10.3390/fishes8010032

  • The complete mitochondrial genome of Cheilinus trilobatus (Perciformes: Labridae)
    Authors: Teng Wang, Yupei Li, Qin Ma, Yong Liu, Yayuan Xiao, Peng Wu, Lin Lin, Chunhou Li
    Year: 2023
    Citation: Mitochondrial DNA Part B, 2023, DOI: 10.1080/23802359.2022.2161835

  • Distribution Pattern of Mangrove Fish Communities in China
    Authors: Jinfa Zhao, Chunhou Li, Teng Wang, Chunran Li, Jianzhong Shen, Yong Liu, Peng Wu
    Year: 2022
    Citation: Biology, 2022, DOI: 10.3390/biology11121696

  • Differences of Macroalgal Consumption by Eight Herbivorous Coral Reef Fishes From the Xisha Islands, China
    Authors: Peng Wu, Teng Wang, Yong Liu, Chunhou Li, Yayuan Xiao, Shannan Xu, Tingting Han, Lin Lin, Qiumei Quan
    Year: 2022
    Citation: Frontiers in Marine Science, 2022, DOI: 10.3389/fmars.2022.882196

  • Effect of mangrove restoration on sediment properties and bacterial community
    Authors: Xiao-Xia Ma, Zhao-Yu Jiang, Peng Wu, Yong-Fei Wang, Hao Cheng, You-Shao Wang, Ji-Dong Gu
    Year: 2021
    Citation: Ecotoxicology, 2021, DOI: 10.1007/s10646-021-02370-0

  • Life History Traits, Elasticity Analyses, and Phenotypic Plasticity of Squaliobarbus curriculus in the Pearl River Estuary, China
    Authors: Teng Wang, Lin Lin, Yong Liu, Ivan Jakovlić, Chun-hou Li, Ya-yuan Xiao, Peng Wu
    Year: 2021
    Citation: Frontiers in Environmental Science, 2021, DOI: 10.3389/fenvs.2021.707130

  • Fluorene degradation by Rhodococcus sp. A2-3 isolated from hydrocarbon contaminated sediment of the Pearl River estuary, China
    Authors: Peng Wu, You-Shao Wang
    Year: 2021
    Citation: Ecotoxicology, 2021, DOI: 10.1007/s10646-021-02379-5

  • The Composition of Intestinal Microbiota From Collichthys lucidus and Its Interaction With Microbiota From Waters Along the Pearl River Estuary in China
    Authors: Peng Wu, Yong Liu, Chunhou Li, Yayuan Xiao, Teng Wang, Lin Lin, Yufang Xie
    Year: 2021
    Citation: Frontiers in Environmental Science, 2021, DOI: 10.3389/fenvs.2021.675856

  • The bacterial composition associated with Atriolum robustum, a common ascidian from Xisha coral reef, China
    Authors: Yong Liu, Peng Wu, Chunhou Li, Yayuan Xiao, Teng Wang, Lin Lin
    Year: 2021
    Citation: Symbiosis, 2021, DOI: 10.1007/s13199-020-00742-