MARINE BIOLOGIST / ECOLOGIST

Qualifications:
BSc Biological Sciences (Marine Biology major), Florida Atlantic University, USA 2002-2005
MSc Biological Sciences (Marine Ecology thesis), Florida Atlantic University, USA 2005-2007
PhD Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, UK 2011-2018

Dr Demetris Kletou is a marine biologist and the Founder and Director of Marine & Environmental Research (MER) Lab in Cyprus. His PhD in Marine Sciences focused on human impacts on oligotrophic marine ecosystems, with emphasis on sensitive habitats, invasive species, ecological monitoring and mitigation approaches for marine pressures.

Since founding MER in 2008, he has coordinated applied marine research, environmental assessment and ecological monitoring work across Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean. His work combines field ecology, biodiversity assessment, species identification, habitat mapping, ecological status evaluation, environmental baseline surveys, habitat sensitivity assessments and marine environmental impact assessment to understand and manage the effects of coastal and offshore activities on marine ecosystems.

His applied work supports environmental permitting and management across sectors such as ports and marinas, aquaculture, submarine infrastructure, offshore energy and coastal works. His scientific expertise focuses on priority habitats and pressures of the Eastern Mediterranean, including Posidonia oceanica meadows, shallow rocky reefs, marine protected areas, climate change, non-indigenous species, marine litter, underwater noise, aquaculture and fisheries, impact mitigation and ecosystem restoration.

He has coordinated more than 50 funded research and advisory projects through EU and national research programmes, governmental tenders, public authorities, private-sector collaborations and international partnerships. Several of these projects support Cyprus in meeting European environmental obligations under frameworks such as the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, Water Framework Directive and Habitats Directive. Through this work, he provides scientific advice to competent authorities on sustainable marine management.

Through MER, he continues to bridge research and decision-making to reduce marine impacts, conserve and restore priority habitats and support responsible development in the Eastern Mediterranean. He also teaches at Frederick University as a visiting lecturer, delivering courses on marine ecosystems, maritime impacts and sustainability.

Contact at dkletou@merresearch.com