Lydia’s expertise focuses on international and regional ocean governance. She has been working on marine related issues, including marine toxicology, reef monitoring, fisheries management, species conservation, and marine protected area management for more than thirteen years across different sectors and entities, including non-governmental organisations, universities, and regulatory bodies. Lydia holds a master’s degree in marine science and one in ocean governance and has a PhD in marine environmental law in which she focused on the implementation of international obligations for sharks and rays. She is an associate lecturer (Marine school) and visiting fellow (School of Law) at the University of Plymouth and works as independent consultant on various marine issues, currently focusing on deep-sea ecosystems. She is also a member of the IUCN World Commission on Environmental Law.