Research Line 2

RL2 aims to study the spatio-temporal distribution of species in costal ecosystems, from microorganisms to large predators, and from benthic deep sea to pelagic ecosystems on the Northwest coast of Portugal, including effects of microplastics and other contaminants in these ecosystems.

GOALS

Ecosystems and Biodiversity in the Northwest Portuguese coast
Increase the knowledge on the spatio-temporal distribution of understudied organisms and ecosystems
Co-creation methods to increase knowledge and awareness regarding deep-sea Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems

Advanced tools for monitoring marine species and communities using the most up-to-date DNA-based approaches available

Expand the reference library of DNA barcodes for fish and marine invertebrates of the Portuguese coast to improve the quality of the current and future DNA-based monitoring
Determine the contamination by microplastics and other pollutants and their effects in the environment and in a selected set of marine organisms, including fish from aquaculture

ACTIVITIES

  • Monitoring of contamination and effects of microplastics and other environmental contaminants
  • Spatial and seasonal distribution of pelagic biodiversity
  • Development of a knowledge baseline of deep-sea vulnerable marine ecosystems
  • Implementation of DNA (meta)barcoding approaches in marine species and communities’ biomonitoring
  • Coordination, Communication, Dissemination and Exploitation of results