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Zachary Dellacqua

Dr. Zachary Dellacqua

Biography

Dr. Zachary Dellacqua is a marine biologist with expertise in aquaculture, fish ecology, and environmental sustainability. His research integrates eco-evo-devo approaches to study skeletal morphology and development in fin-fishes, aiming to enhance animal welfare, reduce skeletal anomalies, and optimize commercial rearing practices. Through these studies, he contributes to biodiversity conservation, sustainable food production, and the advancement of blue/green economy initiatives that support both ecosystems and human communities.

Dr. Dellacqua earned dual PhD degrees in Evolutionary Biology and Experimental Ecology (University of Rome “Tor Vergata”) and Sustainable Aquaculture and Marine Systems (University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria), complementing an MSc in Sustainable Aquaculture (University of Stirling) and a BSc in Marine Biology (College of Charleston). His international training spans Italy, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, and the United States, where he conducted laboratory, hatchery, and field research across diverse marine and freshwater systems. His studies include skeletal analyses using micro-CT, histology, radiography, and multi-parameter statistical modeling, focusing on species such as gilthead seabream, zebrafish, and medaka.

Beyond research, Dr. Dellacqua is passionate about science communication and education. He has designed and taught workshops for elementary, secondary, and university students, organized public science events, and presented at numerous international conferences. He has also trained AI systems in advanced biology principles and served as a manuscript reviewer for journals in aquatic biology and skeletal research. Fluent in multiple languages and experienced in cross-cultural collaboration, he seeks to inspire students, foster scientific curiosity, and promote sustainable practices that connect research with societal impact.

Awards and fellowships include the Marie Skłodowska-Curie PhD Research Grant, international postgraduate scholarships, and recognition for outreach in science dissemination.

Degrees & Institutions

  • PhD in Evolutionary Biology and Experimental Ecology – University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
  • PhD in Sustainable Aquaculture and Marine Systems – University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
  • MSc in Sustainable Aquaculture – University of Stirling, Stirling, Scotland, UK
  • BSc in Marine Biology – College of Charleston, Charleston, SC, USA

Research

Zachary Dellacqua conducts research at the intersection of marine aquaculture, fish ecology, and environmental sustainability. Using an eco-evo-devo framework, he studies skeletal morphology and development in fin-fishes to improve animal welfare, optimize commercial rearing practices, and advance sustainable aquaculture systems. His work spans laboratory, hatchery, and field studies on species including gilthead seabream, zebrafish, and medaka.

He applies histology, micro-CT imaging, morphometrics, and multi-parametric analyses to identify rearing conditions that reduce skeletal anomalies and promote fish health. His research contributes to biodiversity conservation, food security, and sustainable blue/green economy solutions.

Dr. Dellacqua is also dedicated to educating and inspiring students, designing workshops and outreach activities that bring science to diverse audiences.

Current Courses

  • Ecology
  • Marine Coastal Ecology
  • Biology II

 

Special Interests

Dellacqua is an avid SCUBA diver and is passionate about leading students on engaging study abroad trips to practice hands-on science and fieldwork in unique and diverse locations.

Publications

Dellacqua Z, Di Biagio C, Costa C, Pousão–Ferreira P, Ribeiro L, Barata M, Gavaia P, Mattei F, Fabris A, Izquierdo M, Boglione C. (2023). Distinguishing the effects of water volumes versus stocking densities on the skeletal quality during the pre-on-growing phase of Gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata). Animals. 13, 557. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13040557

Dellacqua Z, Di Biagio C, Martini A, Mattei F, Rakaj A, Williams JC, Fabris A, Izquierdo M, Boglione C. (2024). Skeletal Anomalies in Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata) Larvae Reared in Different Densities and Water Volumes. Journal of the World Aquaculture Society. e13056. https://doi.org/10.1111/jwas.13056 

Di Biagio C, Dellacqua Z, Martini A, Huysseune A, Scardi M, Witten PE, Boglione C. (2022). A Baseline for Skeletal Investigations in Medaka (Oryzias latipes): The Effects of Rearing Density on the Postcranial Phenotype. Frontiers in Endocrinology (Lausanne) 13, 893699. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2022.893699

 

Keywords: marine aquaculture, fish ecology, skeletal biology, eco-evo-devo, animal welfare, biodiversity, sustainable aquaculture, fin-fish development, aquaculture research, marine conservation, environmental sustainability, aquaculture optimization.