Dr Jose M. Fariñas-Franco is a Lecturer in Applied Marine Biology at the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, Atlantic Technological University, Galway City. Dr. Fariñas-Franco is a marine ecologist and conservation biologist with more than 22 years’ experience in industry and academia, working in environmental research projects across Ireland, the UK and overseas in the Black Sea, Caribbean, South America and Canada. His research interests include the ecological functioning of marine habitats of high biodiversity, especially biogenic habitats formed by keystone bivalves (native oysters, horse mussels), seagrass and algae (kelp, maerl), their conservation and ecological restoration, including restorative aquaculture of keystone species. A experienced scientific diver and marine surveyor, his research values the importance of gathering observational evidence of real-world phenomena to detect human drivers affecting biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation. Dr. Fariñas-Franco is currently supervising 3 PhDs and 3 Research Masters students working in biogenic habitat monitoring, conservation and restoration projects.

Dr. Tiffany Monfort is a Postdoctoral researcher at the Atlantic Technological University, Galway City. Dr. Monfort is a marine ecologist and a scientific diver. Her research topics involve the 3D structure of the seabed and its use by different assemblages (including fish population, macrophytes and sea urchins). She has an expertise in 3D modelling using photogrammetry methods. Her role in the BRICONS Project is to lead the coordination of field surveys in two bays in the Connemara region, Co. Galway in parallel with and supporting current oyster restoration project, Oisre Conamara, carrying out environmental monitoring and habitat characterisation surveys including extent, condition and biodiversity of native oyster beds using SCUBA diving, acoustic and imaging remote sensing techniques.