LABRAX

Hi!

My name is Márcio. I'm from a small town called Maceira (Portugal), I have a beautiful girlfriend and a really awesome young son! I'm connected to the sea by a strong bond, and for that I graduated myself in marine biology.

I used to work as a marine biologist for the University of the Azores in two projects called POPA (AZORES FISHERIES OBSERVER PROGRAMME) and COSTA (Consolidating Sea Turlle Conservation in the Azores), projects focused in the interactions between fisheries and marine animals.

Then I moved to work for SPEA (The Portuguese Society for the Study of Birds) to get involved in project called Life Berlengas, contributing to the sustainable management of the Berlengas Special Protection Area.

From 2018 to 2022 I was Nature Ranger, involved in the protection and management of Berlenga's Nature Reserve. In order to fulfill the conservation objectives of the nature reserve, the daily work consists in patrolling, monitoring wildlife, combating illegal fishing, engaging local communities and assisting with tourism.

Now I have embraced a new challenge, I'm currently working for the Portuguese Authority for CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten the survival of the species, and also working with invasive alien species (IAS), developing action plans for IAS dissemination pathways and IAS control plans.

Work occupies a large part of my life, but I always find time to dedicate to my family and my home, my son and girlfriend need it, as does my 1951 house.

The nature and wildlife have always fascinated me!

I like birdwatching, and to search for birds that I never seen before, aswell to search for birds with rings and report them to the scientifc projects and to learn about their life history.

I also like butterfly and moths and their intricate patterns, which is why I collaborate with the European Butterfly Monitoring Scheme - eBMS, monitoring both lepidopterans.

I love to see natural habitats well preserved, it's a pleasure for me see pristine landscapes.

I miss my old days at sea, with no land at sight and the waves coming non stop, I miss being on a boat. I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to saw the incredible marine biodiversity, I hope one day to have the chance to see a great white shark.

I recently lost my fear of snakes and started handling the native Portuguese species that I come across.

I hope to receive your postcard soon!