Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Personal Information
Publications
Traineeships
Training Courses
Certification
Additional Seagoing Experience
Languages
Hobbies
Timeline
background-images
Sofia Viotti Orsili

Sofia Viotti Orsili

Canary Islands

Summary

My primary focus is on ocean health and sustainable marine conservation. I am deeply committed to the fields of marine science. I have collaborated with numerous institutions, NGOs, and research projects, investigating the effects of climate change and the influence of human activities on marine ecosystems, which has allowed me to acquire hands-on experience and talent for navigating challenges in remote areas with a proactive approach.

Known for reliability and adaptability, I am committed to making meaningful contributions to drive team success, and to continuous skill development.

growth.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Scientific Crew

INFOMAR
03.2025 - 04.2025
  • Seafloor mapping with EM2040 Multibeam Echo Sounder
  • Assisted in daily operations, ensuring efficient workflow and high-quality data acquisition with Software SIS 5
  • Deployment control for Sound Velocity Profiles (SVPs/MVPs) and Magnetometer
  • Data logging and shipwreck mapping. 3D map creation with Software Quimera
  • Identification of geological features of the seafloor
  • Ongoing coordination between Dry Lab to Bridge communication

https://scientistsatsea.blogspot.com/2025/03/navigating-celtic-sea-whileexploring.html

Mission supervisor: Fabio Sacchetti (fabio.sacchetti@marine.ie)

CCAMLR Fisheries Science Officer

Marine Resources Assessment Group (MRAG)
10.2021 - 04.2023

2023. South Sandwich Islands, Subarea 48.4 (1-month deployment)
2021 - 22. Antarctica, Subarea 88.1 - 88.2. Ross and Amundsen Seas (3 month deployment)

  • Data recording & analysis for the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) and South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (SGSSI) .
  • Marine mammal and bird observation for mitigation of incidental mortality
  • Developed and implemented compliance procedures for fisheries management initiatives.
  • Documenting of fishing gear, fishing operations and catch composition
  • Biological measuring and sampling of otolith from target and by-catch species
  • Toothfish and skate tagging and registering of tag-recaptures
  • Determination of sex and maturity and sampling of gonads
  • Identification and sampling of the composition of vulnerable marine ecosystems (VME)
  • Creation of QGIS maps

Mission supervisor: Andy Watson (a.watson@mrag.co.uk)

ICCAT Fisheries Science Officer

Marine Resources Assessment Group (MRAG)
04.2021 - 07.2021

Regional Programme for the Conservation of Mediterranean Bluefin Tuna

  • Monitoring, documenting compliance of fishing regulations, and checking of official documentation on a purse seiner
  • Reporting on fishing efforts and activities
  • Collected biological data on target and bycatch species to support fisheries management decisions and conservation efforts.

Mission supervisor: Thomas Franklin (t.franklin@mrag.co.uk)

Scientific Crew

Marine Institute Foras na Mara & SMART SEA School
01.2019 - 12.2019
  • Assessment of biomass and abundance of commercial fish and shellfish stocks
  • Monitoring the recovery of exploited deep-water species (up to 1,500m)
  • Biometric data collection
  • Otoliths and gonad sampling
  • Determination of maturity
  • Oceanographic data collection with CTD and weather buoy deployment
  • Sediment grab operations
  • Chief scientist: Dr. Eoghan Kelly (Eoghan.Kelly@marine.ie)
  • Https://scientistsatsea.blogspot.com/2019/04/irish-anglerfish-megrimsurvey-leg-3.html

Research Assistant

University of La Laguna
01.2017 - 08.2017
  • Exploration of benthic and intertidal communities at a shallow-water CO2 vent in La Palma
  • Analysing seawater chemistry and population parameters in a pH gradient
  • Visual census and calcareous species sampling
  • Aquarium maintenance and experiment monitoring
  • Data analysis and technical/scientific report writing for publication
  • Project supervisor: Dr. J.C. Hernández (jocarher@ull.edu.es)
  • Marine community, Ecology & Climate Change Research Group

Traineeship

Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation
01.2016 - 03.2016

Aquaculture Project Supervisor

NGO Construye Mundo
01.2013 - 12.2014
  • Building and managing rural-based fishfarms
  • Monitoring water chemistry
  • Weekly animal sampling and husbandry
  • Developing of rural aquaculture protocols for mussels and oyster farming
  • Assisting in local courses at the National Aquaculture Agency of Senegal
  • Monitoring of small-scale aquaculture projects in the area of Izabal
  • Preparation of rural-based aquaculture courses for community members
  • Teaching biology classes and leading a mangrove reforestation project at the local school
  • Project Coordinator: Judit Arroyo (construyemundo@construyemundo.org)
  • Director: Dr. Matías González H. (mgonzalez@daea.ulpgc.es)

Traineeship

Institute of Tourism and Sustainable Economic Development (TIDES)
01.2012 - 03.2012

Education

Master of Science - Marine Biology: Biodiversity and Conservation

University of La Laguna
Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
01-2017

Bachelor of Science - Marine Science

University of Las Palmas De Gran Canaria
Spain
01-2013

Skills

  • Vessel navigation
  • Species ID
  • Self-directed and motivated
  • Organizational skills
  • Results analysis
  • Report preparation & publication
  • Environmental monitoring
  • Animal handling
  • Lab experiments
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Safety compliance
  • Team work

Personal Information

  • Date of Birth: 09/10/1990
  • Place of birth: Córdoba, Argentina
  • Nationality: Spanish / Argentinian
  • Driving License: Full Driving License

Publications

Marine Environmental Research | Journal article.

  • S. Viotti, C.A. Hernández, C. Sangil, J.C. Hernández. 2019. Effects of long-term exposure to low pHs on the shell and survival of an intertidal gastropod. Marine Environmental Research, 152 (2019) 104789. DOI: 10.1016/ j.marenvres.2019.104789


Technical Reports


  • Exploration of submarine CO2 vents off Fuencaliente coast. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.23647.92328


  • Integrated multi-trophic aquaculture for sustainable development of the Mayan communities of Protected Areas of Izabal, Guatemala. Foundation FULP and Institute of Tourism and Sustainable Economic Development TIDES. (Upon request).

Traineeships

Research Assistant


2019. RV Celtic Explorer. West coast of Ireland & Scotland. Marine Institute.

2-week deployment. SEASMART Grant.

  • Assessment of biomass and abundance of commercial fish and shellfish stocks
  • Monitoring the recovery of exploited deep-water species (up to 1,500m)
  • Biometric data collection, Otolith and gonad sampling
  • CTD, weather buoy deployment, sediment grab operations

https://scientistsatsea.blogspot.com/2019/04/irish-anglerfish-megrimsurvey-leg-3.html
Chief scientist: Dr. Eoghan Kelly (Eoghan.Kelly@marine.ie)


2017. AcidRock Project. ULL. Marine community, Ecology & Climate Change Research Group.

6-month Research Grant.

  • Exploration of benthic and intertidal communities at a shallow-water CO2 vent in La Palma
  • Analyzing seawater chemistry and population parameters in a pH gradient
  • Visual census and calcareous species sampling
  • Aquarium maintenance and experiment monitoring
  • Data analysis and technical report writing and publication

Project supervisor: Dr. J.C. Hernández (jocarher@ull.edu.es)


2016. Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation, Greece.

3 month Erasmus+ Grant.

  • Visual census of fish species associated with Posidonia oceanica
  • Mapping and monitoring seagrass meadows using an underwater digital cartographic camera (ArcGIS)
  • Investigation of critical habitats to raise stake holder awareness
  • Marine mammal populations' survey, Photo-ID analysis (Discovery) and bioacoustic monitoring with hydrophone

Scientific Director: Anastasia Miliou (a.miliou@archipelago.gr)


Aquaculture Project Supervisor


2013 - 2014. Senegal. NGO Construye Mundo

1 year UNESCO Grant for International Cooperation

  • Building and managing rural-based fish farms in the area of Saint Louis
  • Animal sampling and monitoring water chemistry
  • Developing of rural aquaculture protocols for mussels and oyster farming
  • Assisting in local courses at the National Aquaculture Agency of Senegal

Project Coordinator: Judit Arroyo (construyemundo@construyemundo.org)


2012. Guatemala. Institute of Tourism and Sustainable Economic Development (TIDES)

3-month UNESCO Grant for International Cooperation

  • Monitoring of small-scale aquaculture projects in the area of Izabal
  • Preparation of rural-based aquaculture courses for community members
  • Leading a mangrove reforestation

Project Director: Dr. Matías González H. (mgonzalez@daea.ulpgc.es)


Training Courses

  • 2025

Marine Mammal Observer (MMO), Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM), & Protected Species Observer (PSO). Ocean Science Consulting Limited, Scotland, UK.

Marine species legislation and JNCC guidelines, data collection, species ID and acoustic signatures, use of operational equipment and hydrophone, PAMguard software.


  • 2021

Scientific Observation Training Course. CCMLAR & MRAG, UK.

Data collection, database use and management, Antarctic organisms ID and biology, Use of operational equipment, Conservation measures.


BFT Regional Observer Programme Training Course. International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas & MRAG, UK. 

ICCAT Structure, conservation & management measures, biology of tuna, reporting and monitoring.


Marine litter audits. NGO Clean Blue Paros and Marine Sciences Department, University of Aegean, Greece.

Determination of the volume, type of plastics, seasonal variation, sources and littering hotspots entering Paros’ marine environment.


  • 2016

Traceability of cultured marine organisms and escapes management. Swansea University & ULL.


  • 2009

Natura 2000 Study of sea turtle reproduction Caretta caretta in Boa Vista, Cabo Verde. Zoology Department. ULPGC.

Biometric data collection of adults and hatchling, tagging of nesting females, hatchery management and supervision of sand temperature and moisture, In situ relocation of endangered nests to optimal locations for incubation, data analysis.

Certification

  • Captain license 15LOA/750kW (STCW Icelandic Maritime Authorities).
  • Marine engine mechanic 15 LOA/750kW (STCW Icelandic Maritime Authorities).
  • Offshore Skipper (Sail) 24m (Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Greece).
  • PAS Proficiency in Security Awareness STCW VI/6.
  • GMDSS ROC Restricted radio operator STCW IV/2.
  • Basic Safety Training course & First Aid. STCW A-VI/1.
  • Passenger Ships. Crowd and Crisis Management. STCW A-V/2.
  • International Seaman's Discharge Book & Seafarer Medical Certificate (2 years valid).
  • PADI Advanced Open Water Diver.
  • Scientific Diver Course (1 Semester, University of Baja California South, Mexico)

Additional Seagoing Experience

Dedicated crew with over 10 years of experience at sea navigating on different vessels. Proven track record in crew leadership, ability to navigate challenging waters.


Captain (2021 - 2025) & Guide (2019) on 12m Ribs.Iceland

Húsavik Adventures Whale Watching.

Crew duties included: Educational tours about seabirds and whales, Helping with the boat's maintenance and assisting the head captain with oil changes.


Deckhand on Sailing Expeditions (2019- 2017). Greece and Caribbean

Atlantic crossing and sailing around Caribbean Islands with Navigare Yachting (Caribbean) & Istion Yachting (Greece).

Duties: Assisting the captain with sailing monohulls & catamarans (50 to 70 feet), docking, handling lines, driving dinghy, diving tours & equipment maintenance, watch-keeping during Atlantic crossings and other boat deliveries.


Languages

Spanish
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
English
Advanced (C1)
Icelandic
Elementary (A2)
French
Elementary (A2)
Italian
Intermediate (B1)

Hobbies

Birdwatching

Navigation

CrossFit & Weightlifting

Bushcraft


Timeline

Scientific Crew

INFOMAR
03.2025 - 04.2025

CCAMLR Fisheries Science Officer

Marine Resources Assessment Group (MRAG)
10.2021 - 04.2023

ICCAT Fisheries Science Officer

Marine Resources Assessment Group (MRAG)
04.2021 - 07.2021

Scientific Crew

Marine Institute Foras na Mara & SMART SEA School
01.2019 - 12.2019

Research Assistant

University of La Laguna
01.2017 - 08.2017

Traineeship

Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation
01.2016 - 03.2016

Aquaculture Project Supervisor

NGO Construye Mundo
01.2013 - 12.2014

Traineeship

Institute of Tourism and Sustainable Economic Development (TIDES)
01.2012 - 03.2012

Master of Science - Marine Biology: Biodiversity and Conservation

University of La Laguna

Bachelor of Science - Marine Science

University of Las Palmas De Gran Canaria
Sofia Viotti Orsili