Ichrak Bouzidi
Who I am
Currently a doctoral researcher in marine biology at the Faculty of Sciences of Sfax and the INSTM, I earned a Bachelor’s degree in life and environmental sciences in 2018, followed by a Master’s in biodiversity of organisms, populations and the environment in 2020. My academic path reflects my passion for nature and marine ecosystems, driven by concerns about threats to the marine environment.
I come from Sidi Bouzid in Tunisia. Despite the town’s distance from the coast, my fascination for the sea flourished through reading, watching documentaries and making occasional visits to the seashore. This bond ignited a strong desire to understand and safeguard the enigmatic marine world. Thanks to my higher education, I have been able to delve comprehensively into the oceans’ ecosystems and discover intricate aspects of marine life and pressing environmental challenges.
My dedication to marine conservation solidified as I recognised the imminent perils our oceans face and I became determined to protect marine life, especially by countering irresponsible fishing and other detrimental human actions. My research focuses primarily on monitoring endangered elasmobranch species in relation to fisheries. Since 2019, I have been making detailed observations in ports and on fishing vessels to understand the challenges these species face. In 2021 and 2022 I was an observer in a project to address key gaps in the knowledge of vulnerable species, and in this role I interviewed local fishermen about bycatch.
Beyond academia, I collaborate with local communities and stakeholders in the fishing industry to advocate for sustainable fishing practices. My doctoral research centres on the vulnerability of species in the Gulf of Hammamet and aims to devise effective conservation strategies. By bridging the gap between terrestrial and marine realms, I wish to inspire others, irrespective of our origins, to acknowledge the indispensable role of the oceans in sustaining life on earth.
Where I work
The Gulf of Hammamet, on the north-eastern coast of Tunisia, is situated in the central Mediterranean and is renowned as a rich marine ecosystem with a broad diversity of marine species, including elasmobranchs. It lies between the coastal town of Kélibia to the north and the cape of Ras Kaboudia to the south and derives its name from the city of Hammamet, which is located between the two. My specific focus is on assessing the vulnerability of elasmobranchs to being caught accidentally in the Gulf of Hammamet. By studying in detail the whereabouts of these species within the gulf and where they coincide with fishing activity, I aim to pinpoint the risks associated with accidental captures, or bycatch. The Gulf of Hammamet is an ideal setting for unravelling how local fishing practices impact elasmobranch populations and, from this, for formulating targeted conservation strategies that can effectively mitigate unintended captures.
Through my research, I am contributing to a comprehensive approach to safeguarding marine ecosystems and advancing sustainable fishing practices in this area. Beyond the scientific intricacies, my work holds the potential to foster a better understanding of the delicate balance between human activities and marine life in the Gulf of Hammamet, ultimately benefiting both local communities and the broader marine environment.
What I do
My doctoral research focuses on a comprehensive study of elasmobranch species, which include a diverse range of sharks and rays. This group plays a vital role in marine ecosystems and is of considerable ecological importance. Despite their ecological value, elasmobranchs face numerous challenges, including overexploitation through targeted fishing and being taken as bycatch. One of the primary goals of my project is to improve our understanding of the taxonomy, distribution and abundance of elasmobranch species along Tunisia’s northern coast. Through detailed field surveys and data collection, I aim to shed light on the population dynamics of various species and how they come into contact with local fishing practices. This involves studying their reproductive patterns, habitat preferences and movement behaviour.
By studying interactions between elasmobranchs and fishermen, I seek to identify the extent of bycatch in local fisheries. This information is crucial for devising effective strategies to reduce unintended elasmobranch captures while ensuring the sustainability of fishing practices. Furthermore, my study aims to raise awareness among local communities, particularly fishermen, about the importance of conserving elasmobranch species and their habitats. Collaborating with stakeholders and sharing scientific insights can foster a more harmonious relationship between conservation efforts and the utilisation of marine resources.
Ultimately, my goal is to contribute valuable scientific knowledge that can inform evidence-based management and conservation strategies for elasmobranchs in the region. By addressing these aspects comprehensively, we can work towards ensuring the long-term viability of elasmobranch populations while also promoting the well-being of coastal communities and the broader marine ecosystem.