Associated with the University of the Algarve, CCMAR is a research centre that gathers over 150 researchers interested in tackling the processes of global environmental change that affect marine ecosystems. To achieve this, CCMAR research falls into three strategic thematic lines: Management and Conservation, Global Environmental Change and Marine Products and Resources.
Services
CCMAR provides research and technology services advanced by its R&D capacity in scientific areas such as aquaculture, biotechnology, biomedicine, fisheries, biodiversity and marine conservation.
From supplying marine organisms for study purposes, through the experimentation and laboratory analysis phases, to analysing large amounts of data, CCMAR provides a wide range of services that support researchers through all steps of their research pipeline.
Biological Resources
CCMAR provides live marine organisms for experimentation in their Experimental facilities or for other remote studies, such as model marine organisms and reared aquaculture animals.
Bioimaging
CCMAR Imaging hosts several widefield microscopy systems, a lightsheet microscope and advanced imaging software for automated image analysis.
It supports versatile applications for both fixed and live samples and provides opportunities for 3D imaging, coupling dynamic studies (time-lapse recording) with high-resolution qualitative and quantitative image analysis.
Access to ecosystems
Access a wide range of marine habitats.
We can provide access to vehicles, sampling instruments allowing for in-situ experiments, collection of material and others.
Experimental Facilities
Wide range of facilities for holding, rearing and experimental work in cold, cold temperate, warm temperate and subtropical water species. Aquaria and culture facilities of micro and macro-organisms, access to mesocosms, bioreactors and licensed tanks for the maintenance of marine vertebrates.
E-Services
E-services platform provides tools and expertise to deal with large volumes of different types of data generated by marine research (e.g. genomic technologies). CCMAR's team provides support and technical advice for data analysis.
Structural and Chemical Analysis
A high-performance platform to identify and discover all types of compounds in natural products, enabling us to also quantify those compounds and even to describe their molecular structure.
Diving Centre
CCMAR Scientific Dive Centre’s goal is to promote and support all scientific activities that use SCUBA diving as a resource.
In other words, we offer Dive Training, Scientific Services, Citizen Science Projects and Outreaching Campaigns!
CCMAR offers:
A multidisciplinary research environment, well-equipped marine facilities and laboratories and easy access to important marine and coastal ecosystems in the SW corner of Europe.
Located in the South of Portugal, CCMAR has a track-record in research related to the unique and extensive coastal mesotidal lagoon of Ria Formosa, as well as other ecosystems to which it has facilitated access, including protected areas and extreme environments such as hypersaline areas. To access all these ecosystems , CCMAR provides a range of coastal research vessels, technical equipment, supporting facilities and a specialized diving team that is fully certified in scientific diving and training.
Other services that CCMAR provides include sampling upon request, access to a variety of marine model organisms and state-of-the-art facilities for maintenance, culture and experimental work, of which the aquaria infrastructures Ramalhete Marine Station and CO2 mesocosm clearly stand out. CCMAR features several laboratories and platforms suitable for conducting research at various levels, including the discovery of bioactive compounds, imaging and “omics”.
CCMAR researchers publish over 200 articles per year and develop research projects at a national and international level. Their expertise extends beyond scientific research, as they often collaborate with industry and decision-makers to provide sound scientific advice and consultancy.
CONTACTS
RESEARCH STRENGHTS
Global Environmental Change
Ocean Management and Conservation
Marine Products and Resources