DEFENCE OF THE DOCTORAL DISSERTATION BY ANA LOKOVŠEK

Defence of the Doctoral Dissertation by Ana Lokovšek

IPS invites you to the Defence of the Doctoral Dissertation by Ana Lokovšek titled: Threats, conservation strategies and restoration efforts for brown algal forests (Cystoseira s.l.) in the northern Adriatic Sea. The defence will take place on Friday, 27 February 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Marine Biology Station Congress hall (Marine Biology Station Piran, National Institute of Biology, Fornače 41, Piran). You can also join the defence via the following link: Zoom, Meeting ID: 834 6175 0083, Passcode: 929758.

Supervisor: Asst. Prof. Dr. Martina Orlando-Bonaca.

Short summary:

Brown algae of the genus Cystoseira s.l. form dense stands with their richly branched thalli, creating so-called underwater forests that rank among the key habitats of the Mediterranean Sea. These areas are characterized by high primary production, carbon sequestration, and exceptional species diversity, providing shelter, food, and suitable conditions for reproduction and juvenile development for numerous marine organisms. Despite their ecological importance, studies over recent decades have documented a pronounced decline in Cystoseira populations due to various anthropogenic pressures. This PhD thesis investigates the causes of the decline of Gongolaria barbata and develops effective cultivation methods under laboratory and natural conditions aimed at restoring degraded marine habitats.

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