DR. GALA MORENO, RESEARCH SCIENTIST, INTERNATIONAL SEAFOOD SUSTAINABILITY FOUNDATION

Dr. Gala Moreno, research scientist. Follow Fish Focus’ feature on Women in the Seafood Industry, to mark this year’s International Women’s Day.

International Seafood Sustainability Foundation. An ISSF research scientist and member of the ISSF Bycatch Committee, Dr. Gala Moreno has two decades of experience working with purse-seine tuna vessels in the Indian, Atlantic, and Pacific Oceans, studying tuna behaviour at fish aggregating devices (FADs).

Her work focuses on reducing adverse FAD impacts and draws on fishers’ knowledge and scientific data to improve fisheries management. She coordinates research projects in three oceans on the impact of FADs on bycatch, tuna species, and the ecosystem — including research on biodegradable FADs, acoustic selectivity to discriminate tuna species before the set, and interactions with Mobula rays and sea turtles in tuna fisheries. She also has facilitated skipper workshops on best practices and potential solutions to fishing impacts in more than 20 countries.

Dr. Moreno earned her doctorate from the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD) in Seychelles and France and AZTI, and she has a master’s degree from the University of the Basque Country (UPV) in Spain. She has taught university-level courses on FADs, eco-ethology of pelagic species, and hydro-acoustics for pelagic species monitoring at UPV, Paul Sabatier University in France, and Instituto Español de Oceanografía.

From 2003-2015 she was at AZTI, first as a researcher and then as a senior researcher. At AZTI, she coordinated, among others, the EU GAP2 project examining stakeholder-driven science within the context of fisheries, the EU MADE project on mitigating FAD impact on pelagic ecosystems, and the EU FADIO project on tuna behaviour at FADs. She spent two years as a scientific observer in the Indian and Atlantic Oceans in 1998-2000.

Fish Focus posed some questions for Dr. Moreno:

What initially inspired you to pursue a career in fisheries management and sustainability?

“My inspiration to pursue a career in fisheries management and sustainability comes from a combination of personal passion and early influences. Growing up, my family instilled in me a love for the sea. I had a neighbour who was a biologist, and he would show me documentaries that absolutely fascinated me, even when I was just 7 years old. I am from the Basque Country in northern Spain, a region with a strong maritime tradition, so fishing and the sea were always present in my surroundings. In many ways, my path was shaped by both where I come from and my passion for marine biology and conservation.”

Can you explain how fish aggregating devices (FADs) impact marine ecosystems and what efforts are being made to mitigate their effects?

“Though fishing with fish aggregating devices (FADs, or more generally, floating objects) has been in practice for hundreds of years, the number of FADs being used by tuna purse seine vessels has increased steadily in the last two decades. Fishing on FADs is a crucial means of providing an important food source for the world; it is efficient and widely used. But FAD use also comes with downsides that are of concern and must be addressed.

“All fishing methods have an environmental footprint. And when sustainable fishing is the goal, conventional FADs present challenges. These challenges include:

• Marine fauna that share the same habitat and aggregate with tuna, including sharks, mobula rays and sea turtles, are at risk of becoming bycatch. These animals can be unintentionally caught by tuna fishers making sets on FADs.
• They also can become entangled in FADs that are made with netting. Certain FAD designs and materials create an especially high bycatch risk for vulnerable species. Fortunately, current regulations now do not allow vessels to deploy FADs with netting material. However, there might be older FADs at sea that still have the netting, posing an entanglement risk to sharks and other “non-target” species. The new generation of FADs without netting, already compulsory in all tuna RFMOs,  will replace those conventional FADs.
• FAD structures abandoned or lost in the ocean after fishing can continue to ensnare vulnerable bycatch species over time, a process called “ghost fishing.”
• Those same unrecovered or lost FADs can pollute oceans, drift into reefs, and wash up on shores and beaches. Wherever FADs with non-biodegradable materials drift or sink, they persist in the marine ecosystem, becoming marine pollution and damaging coastal and benthic ecosystems.
• There are other potential impacts, such as the ecological trap hypothesis, but there is no scientific evidence about FADs changing the ecology and movements of tuna.

“At ISSF, my fellow scientists and I have conducted at-sea research, as well as consultations with fishers through workshops, to identify ways to mitigate FAD impacts. A major part of this work focuses on fishers’ use of best handling practices to safely release bycatch species, along with transitioning to FADs made mostly or completely of biodegradable materials.

“We are conducting biodegradable FAD trials in all oceans. And, with our newest innovation, the jelly-FAD — comprised of materials that provide a structural density like seawater, allowing for a neutral drift in the water column, like a jellyfish — we are confident that a viable FAD that is fully biodegradable will be available for fishers in the coming years.”

How do biodegradable FADs compare to conventional ones? What were some key findings from your recent visit to Colombia?

“Biodegradable FADs offer a more sustainable alternative to conventional FADs, which are generally made of plastic components.

“Bio-FADs are made with organic materials like bamboo, cotton ropes, and woven palm leaves instead of synthetic plastics and nylon, which persist in the ocean for decades. While conventional FADs are more durable and widely available, they can contribute to marine debris and habitat damage. In contrast, biodegradable FADs are designed to break down naturally, reducing long-term pollution and aligning with sustainability efforts promoted by tuna RFMOs.

“We are researching how to improve the durability of biodegradable materials while ensuring they remain environmentally friendly. Numerous fleets in the three tropical oceans have already begun bio-FAD tests. Organic materials are more expensive than plastic, but as production scales up and local sourcing improves, costs are expected to decrease. The transition from conventional to biodegradable FADs requires continued innovation, industry adoption, and regulatory support to balance sustainability with the operational needs of tuna fisheries. We are working on these things.

“We recently visited Colombia, for example, to identify organic FAD materials that could be sourced locally to support fleets operating in the Eastern Pacific Ocean (EPO). We met with rope and canvas manufacturers that use organic materials for their construction and talked with engineers from a university who specialize in bamboo for civil construction projects.

“In other countries where FADs are commonly used, we also are working to identify local suppliers of organic materials for FAD construction to the fishing fleets. To facilitate this, we educate them about the FAD industry, construction requirements established by tuna RFMOs, and other key technical considerations. We have travelled to Taiwan and Ecuador and will soon visit China and the Philippines. Our objective is to explore and source alternative materials for FAD construction that meet sustainability standards and are harvested responsibly.”

How do you see fisheries science evolving in the next decade, particularly in sustainability and conservation efforts?

“If we look back 10 years, we can see how much fisheries science has evolved, which gives us an idea of where it’s heading in the next decade. For instance, when it comes to FADs, there was almost no regulation a decade ago, yet today, we have made significant progress in managing them more sustainably. This trend will continue, with science playing a key role in driving improvements.

“One of the transformative developments will be the introduction and expansion of electronic monitoring systems, which will enhance data collection, improve compliance, and accelerate scientific understanding, ultimately leading to better fisheries management. There is also a growing emphasis on including stakeholders in research and the decision-making process and advancing toward ecosystem-based fisheries management.

“I’m optimistic about this transformation. The adoption of electronic monitoring can significantly speed up progress in sustainable fishing. In addition, consumer awareness of sustainability is growing, influencing market demand and encouraging more responsible practices. With these combined efforts—scientific advancements, regulatory improvements, stakeholder engagement, and market-driven sustainability—the next decade has the potential to bring even greater and faster progress in fisheries conservation and management.”

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your research, and how have you overcome them?

“We have faced numerous challenges. I prefer to use the plural here, as this work is always a team effort. One early major challenge was the transition to non-entangling FADs (FAD structures designed without netting to prevent entanglement of marine fauna), and then the ongoing global shift toward biodegradable FADs. The complexity of this transition lies in its global reach, involving diverse countries, cultures, and fishing practices, each with different realities and constraints. While we were able to develop a technical solution, the real challenge came in ensuring widespread vessel adoption, which required translating scientific findings into effective management measures for fisheries. Bridging the gap between science and policy demands a strong collaboration with stakeholders in tuna RFMOs.

“We continue to face other challenges. Some are scientific, such as improving our understanding of why and how tuna interact with FADs. Gaining this fundamental knowledge would enhance our ability to manage tuna fisheries more effectively. Technological challenges also persist, particularly in improving selective fishing. We are working with the acoustic equipment used by tuna fleets to help fishers distinguish between tuna species before setting their nets, enabling more informed and sustainable fishing decisions. Other challenges are more political, such as requiring existing technologies that could improve fisheries management but are still met with resistance in some sectors. Overcoming these challenges takes a mix of science, teamwork, trust-building, policy support, and a good dose of creativity! We make it a priority to work in multidisciplinary teams, bringing together experts from different scientific fields, and, most importantly, local scientists who have invaluable knowledge of their fisheries.

“Collaborating with fishers, engineers, and policy experts allows us to tackle problems from multiple perspectives and develop solutions that are both scientifically sound and practically feasible. Fieldwork with fleets is also key; there’s only so much you can figure out from behind a desk. Getting out on the water, talking to fishers, and testing solutions in real conditions helps us understand what actually works (and to realize that what looks good on paper can fall apart in practice!).

“Communication is another big piece of the puzzle. Turning complex scientific data into something that makes sense to policymakers, industry, and other stakeholders requires a lot of effort and translation—sometimes literally, given how global this work is!

“And of course, a sense of humour helps! Working across different countries, cultures, and perspectives means unexpected challenges pop up all the time, but that’s part of the adventure. The key is to stay adaptable, keep learning, and always be ready to adjust our approach as we go.”

Women in Science & Mentorship

As a leader in your field, how do you support and mentor young female scientists entering fisheries management?

“I always make an effort to provide additional support to women in my field. For example, when organising meetings, I am very conscious of the number of women present, and when planning projects, I ensure that women are leading part of the research. I also advocate for equity within my organisation and others, to achieve gender equality.

“I often encourage young women to present their work and make a special effort to promote their research. Some people may see this as unfair, but it is not; it’s necessary because women start at a disadvantage. For some, this may be difficult to understand, but many women have faced situations where they feel they don’t belong in this field or where their expertise has been dismissed simply because of their gender. Those are just two of the many challenges we continue to encounter. This approach can sometimes make people uncomfortable, but I believe discomfort is part of progress.”

What advice do you have for young women aspiring to work in STEM fields, particularly in marine science?

“I would tell them to seek out mentors and colleagues who truly support them, and when opportunities arise, whether it’s presenting their work, leading a project, or applying for a position, they should go for it, even if they don’t feel 100% ready. This is important. Too often, women doubt whether they deserve a role or fear they won’t measure up.

“The reality is that women in marine science still face challenges that men don’t, and recognising that isn’t about complaining, it’s about making progress. My advice? If they ever feel uncomfortable pushing for change, remember: progress is rarely comfortable, but that’s how we move forward, and don’t ever doubt that you belong in this field.”

Have you encountered gender-related challenges in your career, and if so, how have you navigated them?

“Yes, in my 25-year career, I have faced gender-related challenges, as many women do in STEM. There have been times when my expertise was not taken as seriously as that of my male colleagues, even when I had equal or greater experience.

“I’ve encountered situations where I had to work harder to prove my capabilities, or where my contributions were overlooked until echoed by a male counterpart. A common experience during fieldwork with a male colleague is that people who don’t know us often assume he is the project lead, addressing him as such, even when I am the one leading the work. And then there are the more subtle, systemic inequalities that are nearly invisible to those who don’t experience them. These are situations that only women recognize because they are so deeply ingrained in the culture that they appear “normal” to many.

“Women, at times, can be our own biggest obstacles. It took me a while to believe in myself. This is why I now make a conscious effort to uplift other women, ensuring they are encouraged to take leadership roles, speak up in meetings, and believe in their own expertise. Of course, not every woman has personally felt disadvantaged by sexism, just as there are men who have experienced self-doubt or hesitated to apply for a position they didn’t feel fully qualified for. However, in the broader reality, it’s an undeniable fact that women still suffer systemic disadvantages in STEM.

“Navigating these challenges hasn’t been easy, but I’ve learned to be persistent. I’ve also built a strong network of colleagues who support gender equity, and whenever possible, I choose to work with people who share these values in an environment where I feel comfortable.”

How do you think initiatives like the International Day of Women & Girls in Science help encourage more women to pursue careers in STEM?

“Initiatives like the International Day of Women & Girls in Science play a crucial role in encouraging more women to pursue careers in STEM. First, they help raise awareness about the gender gap in these fields and highlight the achievements of women scientists, providing much-needed role models for younger generations.

“These initiatives also promote discussions on the challenges women face in STEM, such as biases and lack of representation, which hopefully can lead to policy changes and institutional support for gender equality. All initiatives like this are necessary for progress. Without them, achieving true gender equality in STEM would be much more difficult.”