With a strong interest in marine conservation and island ecosystems, Ana Cecília Amaral joined MARE-Madeira as a research technician and is part of the team working on the IMPLACOST project (1/MAC/2/2.4/0009), focused on designing a pilot system for predicting coastal marine conditions, with an emphasis on preventing the impacts of adverse coastal events. She began her scientific career by carrying out the first study on the attraction of monk seals (Monachus monachus) to aquaculture enclosures in Madeira Island, Portugal. Her work bridges research, communication, and community engagement to raise awareness of ocean-related issues. Ana holds a BSc in Biology (ISPA – Instituto Universitário) and an MSc in Conservation Biology (University of Évora).