Dr. Tommaso Alestra

I am a marine ecologist with a research and consultancy background including ecological impact assessments, habitat surveys and experimental studies in intertidal and shallow subtidal coastal habitats. Most of my work involves assessing the effects on the marine environment of a wide range of coastal developments such as flood protection schemes, transport projects, and the upgrade of port facilities.

I have in-depth knowledge of New Zealand's rocky reef and estuarine systems, and I am experienced in designing, carrying out and reporting on the results of field investigations. I have also provided scientific advice based on a review of pre-existing information as part of state of the environment reports, feasibility studies, expert witness evidence, and natural character assessments.

My work to ensure the environmental sustainability of activities in coastal areas includes developing and promoting the use of eco-engineering solutions to enhance marine biodiversity on coastal infrastructures and contributing to new guidelines for impact assessments and biodiversity offsetting in marine systems.

I am also particularly interested in exploring the role that nature-based solutions for coastal hazards can play both as part of the projects I am involved in and in the context of climate change adaptation in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Qualifications

Doctor of Philosophy, Ecology, University of Canterbury, New Zealand
Master of Science, Marine Biology, University of Pisa, Italy
Bachelor of Science, Biological Sciences, University of Pisa, Italy

Affiliations

Certified Environmental Practitioner (General Practitioner), Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand (EIANZ)
New Zealand Coastal Society regional coordinator (Canterbury region)