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Melina Castano

she/her

PhD candidate

Grupo de Ecologría y Conservación de Aves Marinas y Costeras, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMyC), UNMdP - CONICET

Discipline

Behaviour

Regional Focus

SouthAmerican Atlantic coast

Years Active

6-10 years

Species Focus

Gulls and Terns (Laridae)

Tell us about your work with seabirds.

I am currently part of a research group focused on studying seabirds and the ecological implications of their interactions with anthropogenic activities, such as recreational and commercial fisheries. My PhD research explores behavioral and ecological aspects of the Olrog's gull (Larus atlanticus), a species listed as Near Threatened and locally Vulnerable, with an emphasis on understanding how behavioral flexibility may contribute to coping with human-induced environmental changes.

What advice would you offer to individuals aspiring to pursue a career as seabird scientists?

Try to gain as much experience as you can, and look for opportunities to build international collaborations, it will help you grow both academically and personally. Surround yourself with a strong network of collegas who are going through the same stage as you. And most importantly, never doubt your abilities and enjoy the fieldwork season!

Melina Castano

Melina Castano in an urban area of the city of Mar del Plata city, Argentina, about to release an adult Olrog's gull (Larus atlanticus) after banding it.

Email:

Website:

Twitter:

@melicast93 @MdqSeabirds

Instagram:

@meli.castt @avesmarinas.iimyc

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