Dr. Isabel Abihssira-Garcia is a marine scientist specialized in aquaculture, ecotoxicology and microplastic pollution. She holds a BSc in Marine Sciences from the University of Alicante (Spain) and a MSc in Aquaculture and Fisheries Resources Management from the University of Murcia (Spain). In 2021, Isabel defended her PhD thesis on the Environmental impact of microplastics in relation to Atlantic salmon farming at Nord University (Norway). Briefly, her work focused on studying the effects of microplastics on the immune system of the blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) and the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), for which she developed a novel method using imaging flow cytometry, and on understanding the interaction of microplastics and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) near fish farms. In addition, Isabel has been working with private companies on sustainability projects aiming to reduce the environmental impact of fish farming associated to sludge and microplastic emissions.
Isabel has extensive experience in scientific dissemination; she organized and participated in scientific seminars and conferences, as well as she organized several workshops to teach about the marine environment and plastic pollution in schools and to the broad public.