Steven Degraer started his scientific career in benthic ecology of intertidal and shallow subtidal temperate marine ecosystems at Ghent University. After his PhD research (Ghent University, 1999), he broadened his research: from temperate to tropical ecosystems, from sandy to rocky coasts, from benthos to avifauna and from fundamental to applied research. Marine management, focusing on nature conservation and sustainable use and exploitation of the marine resources, was always the red line through his work. In 2008, he founded the MARECO team and coordinated their activities until March 2026. Under his leadership, the team built up broad expertise on marine mammals and seabirds, rocky shore fauna and invasive species, and underwater noise, embedded in an ecosystem management context.