Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara

Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara, born in Venice, Italy, has been concerned for over 40 years with the advancement of knowledge of the natural history, ecology, behaviour, taxonomy and conservation of aquatic vertebrates, with an emphasis on whales, dolphins, seals, sharks and manta rays. He has produced more than 140 scientific papers and many reports and conference presentations.

Some of these writings are posted on his website. His major professional interests focus on marine science, conservation and policy. During the last decade he has concentrated efforts on the development of marine protected areas as a conservation tool. In particular, he has stimulated the creation of the first high-seas marine protected area, the Pelagos Sanctuary for Mediterranean Marine Mammals. He has been responsible for the leading and management of governmental and private, national and international science and conservation organisations.

In the recent past he served as a marine policy advisor to various national and international bodies, and participated in multilateral meetings and negotiations in representation of Italy. In many occasions Giuseppe has engaged in training and teaching activities, and currently teaches a course on marine biodiversity conservation science at the University of Milan. Through appearances on television and radio, and the publication of popular articles and prize-winning books, he has been striving to increase public awareness on the conservation of the marine environment, with an emphasis on the Mediterranean Sea.