Mafalda Freitas is the Regional Director of the Sea within the Regional Government of Madeira. She is a marine biologist specializing in the taxonomy of sharks, mantas and rays, especially deep-sea sharks. She has participated in several scientific diving expeditions, scientific fishing and ROV missions, research projects and international congresses and published articles in the field of marine sciences, especially on cartilaginous fish and ocean literacy. Mafalda has a MSc in Business Administration, specialising in the management of MPAs.

Mafalda will be presenting 'The potential of the Deep Sea for the Blue Economy in Madeira' at the MAD-Deep Symposium.