The Blue Economy relies on professionals who combine science, technology, and hands-on field experience to better understand and protect marine ecosystems. From environmental monitoring to coral reef restoration, marine scientists play a vital role in safeguarding our oceans and helping communities adapt to growing environmental challenges.
In this edition of our interview series, we’re speaking with Rossella Stocco, an Italian Marine Scientist, Scientific Diver, and Environmental Planner with more than 20 years of experience in marine environmental monitoring and conservation. Based at the Regional Agency for Environmental Protection of Calabria (ARPACAL), Rossella works on marine monitoring, environmental assessments, and regulatory activities while also contributing to coral reef monitoring and restoration projects in the Maldives and Indonesia.
Meet Rossella Stocco
Current Role: Marine Scientist, Scientific Diver & Environmental Planner
Industry: Marine Conservation, Oceanography, Environmental Monitoring
Focus Areas: Marine environmental monitoring, coral reef conservation, scientific diving, environmental assessments, coral restoration
Organization: Regional Agency for Environmental Protection of Calabria (ARPACAL)
What inspired you to pursue this path?
Rossella’s passion for the ocean began at an early age.
When she was just eight years old, she watched her first Jacques Cousteau documentary, which featured the great white shark. That experience sparked a fascination with the marine world that has stayed with her ever since.
«That documentary sparked a fascination with the ocean that has never left me.»
As she grew older, that childhood curiosity developed into a passion for oceanography and marine conservation, eventually leading her towards a career in scientific diving, environmental monitoring, and coral reef restoration.
«Today, my greatest motivation is helping protect and restore marine ecosystems, particularly coral reefs.«
A Day in the Life
No two days are exactly the same in Rossella’s work.
Some days are spent underwater carrying out marine monitoring, scientific diving, habitat assessments, or environmental inspections. Others involve analysing data, preparing technical reports, reviewing environmental documentation, or collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
Alongside her scientific work, she also enjoys participating in training and outreach activities.
«Whenever possible, I enjoy working directly underwater, where I feel most at home.»
The Exciting and Challenging Aspects of the Job
For Rossella, every field campaign brings the possibility of discovering something new.
One of her most memorable experiences was seeing a living colony of red coral (Corallium rubrum) for the first time through the live feed of a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) during a marine survey in Calabria.
«It was a powerful reminder that there is still so much to discover and protect beneath the surface.»
More recently, working on tropical coral reefs in the Maldives and Indonesia allowed her to actively contribute to reef restoration by attaching her first Acropora coral fragment to a coral tree.
«It gave me the opportunity not only to study marine ecosystems, but also to actively contribute to their restoration.»
At the same time, she points out that marine conservation involves much more than fieldwork.
Planning, permits, logistics, quality control, reporting, and stakeholder communication all take place before and after every survey. Weather conditions, underwater visibility, and technical challenges also require flexibility and careful preparation.
«What I sometimes dislike is bureaucracy, because it can slow down urgent conservation work. However, I have learned that good science also depends on patience, accuracy and strong organization.»
Key Skills for Success
Rossella believes that successful marine scientists need both strong technical expertise and personal qualities.
Technical Skills:
- Marine ecology and oceanography
- Scientific diving
- Marine environmental monitoring
- Data collection and analysis
- Environmental assessment
Soft Skills:
- Curiosity
- Teamwork
- Adaptability
- Problem-solving
- Communication
She also emphasises that communicating scientific findings is becoming increasingly important.
«Scientists need to share their findings with colleagues, decision-makers and the public to make conservation truly effective.»
Work-Life Balance & Career Satisfaction
Rossella is very satisfied with her work-life balance and appreciates having enough flexibility and personal time outside work.
While she feels there is still room for improvement regarding salary, she values the opportunity to work in a profession that aligns with her passion for marine conservation.
Future Outlook: Where is the Industry Heading?
Rossella believes marine science will become increasingly interdisciplinary.
«Climate change, coral bleaching and biodiversity loss will require scientists to combine fieldwork with new technologies such as AI-assisted data analysis, remote sensing, photogrammetry and autonomous monitoring systems.»
She also expects closer collaboration between scientists, governments, local communities, and the private sector.
Looking ahead, she believes coral reef restoration will continue to expand as a specialised field, creating new opportunities for professionals who combine research, monitoring, and practical conservation.
Career Advice for Aspiring Professionals
If she could give one piece of advice to her younger self, Rossella would encourage her to stay focused on her passion and embrace international opportunities.
«Stop getting distracted by short-term opportunities and stay focused on what truly mattered: the sea.»
She also encourages young professionals to step outside their comfort zones.
«Go abroad as soon as you can, and don’t come back just because it’s the safe choice.»
Looking back, she believes her greatest regret was not making mistakes, but not taking full advantage of opportunities when they appeared.
Follow Rossella’s Work
You can follow Rossella’s work through her LinkedIn profile.
Stay tuned for more inspiring interviews with professionals shaping the future of the Blue Economy!
📢 Know someone with an exciting career in marine sciences or the Blue Economy? Let us know—we’d love to feature them!