Five researchers from the OKEANOS Institute – University of the Azores have secured exclusive funding from the FCT for the Autonomous Region of the Azores, strengthening scientific research carried out in the archipelago.

Telmo Morato – Assessment of Deep Sea Ecosystems for Policy Solutions will assess the biodiversity and integrity of deep-sea ecosystems in the Azores through innovative and cost-effective approaches that link science and public policy for the sustainable management of these unique environments.

Régis Santos – Oceanographic Modeling for the Spatial Management of Fish and Marine Invertebrates in the Azores will model larval dispersion and connectivity in the Azores to guide fisheries management, focusing on the main commercial species.

Catharina Pieper – microGASP – Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Plastic Pollution: The Azores as a Beacon of Ecological Transition at the Space-Ocean Interface will investigate whether the degradation of plastics emits greenhouse gases and propose innovative solutions to mitigate marine pollution.

Jorge Fontes – Observation of Mesopelagic Ecosystems with Smart Platforms on Ocean Predators in a Changing Planet – The MANTA project will utilize advanced technology to study predators such as sharks and manta rays, revealing the secrets of the ocean’s “twilight zone.”

Frederic Vandeperre – Monitoring, Assessment, and Research of Sea Turtles and Ocean Fisheries for Sustainable Management in the Azores. He will study loggerhead and green turtles as indicators of the health of marine ecosystems, supporting conservation strategies in the Azores.

“We are proud of the talent and dedication of our team, which puts the Azores at the forefront of international marine research!” reads the press release issued by OKEANOS:

In Correio dos Açores-Natalino Viveiros, Director

Translated into English as a community outreach program by the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL), in collaboration with Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno. PBBI thanks Luso Financial for sponsoring NOVIDADES.