RESTORESEAGRASS

🌿 On the 24th and 28th of this month, we welcomed around 52 participants aged 9 to 17, along with 5 group leaders — and the adventure continues! 🌊 This summer, come discover the seagrass meadows of Praia de Faro with the RESTORESEAGRASS project! Join marine biologists to explore these fascinating ecosystems that support incredible biodiversity, protect our coastline, and contribute to ocean health. 📅 Upcoming dates: ✅ July 31 (10 am - 11h30 am) ✅ August 11 (10 am - 11h30 am) ✅ September 27 & 28 🕥 Activities take place during low tide – exact times may vary, so follow us on social media for updates! 📍 Meeting point: Centro Náutico, Praia de Faro 👣 What to expect: Free guided walks to the intertidal zone, where you'll explore the "underwater gardens" of the Ria Formosa, learn about the animals and plants that live there, and understand why seagrass meadows are so important for our planet. 🎓 A perfect activity for families, nature lovers, locals, and visitors of all ages! 🌊 Come explore, learn, and help protect these unique habitats! The RESTORESEAGRASS project is co-financed by the European Union through LIFE Programme, ANA - Aeroportos de Portugal, SA, Secil Project partners: Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), Ispa - Instituto Universitário, SPEA - Sociedade Portuguesa para o Estudo das Aves CSIC Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas (ICNF) Ocean Alive PhytoBloom - Microalgae by Necton Pescalgarve #RestoreSeagrass #SeagrassMeadows #RiaFormosa #EnvironmentalEducation #PraiaDeFaro #CCMAR #SummerWithScience #Seagrass #OceanLiteracy #ScienceInTheField #Conservation

🌿 Monitoring of seagrass meadows in the Ria Formosa by the Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR) Diving team The scientific diving team from Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR) has been monitoring the seagrass meadows of the Ria Formosa — essential coastal habitats that are increasingly under threat. 🔍 What is being done? ✔ Surveys of seagrass cover and conservation status through regular diving campaigns; ✔ Recording of associated species, including invertebrates, fish, and other marine organisms; ✔ Collection of environmental data such as water temperature, transparency, and sediment type. 📌 Why is this important? ✔ Seagrass meadows are ecosystem-forming habitats that stabilise the seabed, filter water, and provide shelter and nursery areas for many species; ✔ They are in decline due to human pressure, changes in water regimes, and the impacts of climate change; ✔ Continuous monitoring helps detect changes, identify critical areas, and support conservation and restoration actions. 🧪 This data supports the RESTORESEAGRASS project, which aims to restore degraded seagrass areas and promote the recovery of marine vegetation in strategic sites along the southern coast. 🌍 This work is essential for the sustainable management of the Ria Formosa and the preservation of its biodiversity. Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR) | Ispa - Instituto Universitário | CSIC | SPEA - Sociedade Portuguesa para o Estudo das Aves | Ocean Alive | Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas (ICNF) | Salt by Necton | Pescalgarve #restoreseagrass #seagrass #ervasmarinhas #restaurodehabitats #carbonoazul #biodiversidade

Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR) is currently recruiting a Science Communication and Outreach Officer to join our team with effect from September 2025. The successful candidate will be responsible for engaging schools, local communities and stakeholders through creative and impactful communication. You will have the opportunity to work on international projects in the areas of conservation, aquaculture and blue biotechnology. These projects will contribute to real change through science engagement. If you have experience in applying communication skills in a collaborative, research-driven environment, we would be interested in hearing from you. Key responsibilities: ⦁    Planning and developing communication materials (e.g.: flyers, brochures, posters, exhibit materials, educational resources) that effectively convey the essence of our research projects. ⦁    Liaising with researchers and project partners to implement joint communication and stakeholder engagement activities. ⦁    Organizing outreach events and activities for different audiences (school community, wider public, stakeholders). ⦁    Developing appealing content for different social media platforms (posts, reels, caroussels, etc) and ensure engagement with users. ⦁    Monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on project communication activities, ensuring timely delivery of milestones. ⦁    Providing support to the activities developed by the CCMAR Ocean Education Unit. Requirements: 1.    A degree (Licenciatura/BSc. postgraduation or MSc) in Natural Sciences or in Communication related areas. 2.    Proficiency in English and Portuguese (Excellent level - oral, comprehension and written) clearly stated in the CV. 3.    Minimum of 1 year of experience in communication activities. 4.    Driver’s licence and willingness to drive institutional vehicles when developing outreach events. Application: 1.    Motivation letter in English or Portuguese 2.    Detailed CV in English or Portuguese, demonstrating experience in the areas defined in the ideal profile below. The CV must include indication of possession of a driver’s license and proficiency in English and Portuguese. 3.    Degree certificate. 4.    Other documents or portfolio that support the different areas of experience defined in the ideal profile below (optional but advantageous). 5.    Email contact and letter of recommendation for up to 3 references. Our offer: Predicted to start in September 2025 Full-time contract Salary: €1,705.73/month + health insurance option Work at one of Portugal’s top marine research centres with occasional travel Only applications submitted via our portal will be considered: https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.plnkd.in/dxV-qE9v

On July 14th, we kicked off the summer awareness campaign about seagrass meadows as part of the RESTORESEAGRASS project! We took 24 young people, aged 9 to 12, to discover the seagrass meadows of the Ria Formosa, at Praia de Faro 🌿🌊 During this field trip with the RESTORESEAGRASS project, we closely observed seagrasses with roots, stems, and leaves, encountered marine animals (some familiar, others surprising!), and learned how to protect these precious habitats. Thank you to the Gabinete da Juventude da Câmara Municipal de Albufeira for the smiles, curiosity, and respect for nature! --- This summer, join marine biologists to explore the incredible seagrass meadows of Praia de Faro, vital ecosystems that host immense biodiversity and help protect our coastline! 🕒 When: July 24th, 28th, and 31st, and August 11th, from 10:00 to 11:30 AM. 📍 Where: Meeting point at the Nautical Center of Praia de Faro 👣 What: Free guided walks to the intertidal zone, where we’ll discover the seagrass meadows, the animals and plants that live there, and why they’re so important for our planet. Come and explore the "underwater gardens" of the Ria Formosa and learn how you can help protect them! The RESTORESEAGRASS project is co-financed by the European Union through LIFE Programme ANA - Aeroportos de Portugal, SA Secil Project partners: Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), Ispa - Instituto Universitário, SPEA - Sociedade Portuguesa para o Estudo das Aves CSIC Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas (ICNF) Ocean Alive PhytoBloom - Microalgae by Necton Pescalgarve #RESTORESEAGRASS #Seagrass #OceanLiteracy #EnvironmentalEducation #RiaFormosa #SeagrassMeadows #ScienceInTheField #ActiveYouth #CareForTheSea #Conservation

🌿 RESTORESEAGRASS | Rediscovery of Ruppia drepanensis in Ria Formosa A small saline pond near Praia dos Cavacos, within the Ria Formosa Natural Park, is now home to Portugal’s only known population of Ruppia drepanensis, a rare and habitat-forming aquatic plant long believed to be regionally extinct. 🔍 Why is this significant? ✔ Ruppia drepanensis is a key species in Mediterranean wetlands, providing habitat and food in brackish waters often too extreme for other aquatic plants; ✔ It was considered Critically Endangered and not seen in Portugal since 1986; ✔ Its rediscovery at the westernmost edge of its known European range confirms that the species still persists, although in a single, vulnerable location; ✔ The population was identified using both morphological and genetic analysis, confirming its uniqueness and conservation importance. 📖 Ruppia drepanensis grows in seasonally dry ponds and relies on a short spring reproductive window. Climate change, altered water regimes, and nutrient pollution threaten this fragile cycle, putting seed bank replenishment at risk. 🌱 The site, despite being within a protected area, is highly exposed to human and environmental pressures. Conservation actions are now underway, including seed banking and exploring translocation to new suitable habitats within Ria Formosa. 🧪 Our current focus is on mapping existing populations and characterizing the habitat conditions required for different Ruppia species to thrive. In the future, we aim to replicate these conditions on land acquired by the project and establish new populations, especially of rarer species like R. drepanensis 🌍 This work, led by the Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), is part of the RESTORESEAGRASS project and marks a critical step toward safeguarding rare seagrass species that play a vital role in wetland biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. - Frade, D. G., Neiva, J., Martinez-Garrido, J., Davison, A., Caminiti, L., Ramos, G. G., Pearson, G. A., & Serrão, E. A. (2025). Not regionally extinct: Rediscovery of Ruppia drepanensis in Portugal, the westernmost range edge in Europe. Aquatic Botany, 199, 103881. https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.plnkd.in/dexygmmr Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR) | Ispa - Instituto Universitário | CSIC | SPEA - Sociedade Portuguesa para o Estudo das Aves | Ocean Alive | Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas (ICNF) | Salt by Necton | Pescalgarve #restoreseagrass #seagrass #ervasmarinhas #restaurodehabitats #carbonoazul #biodiversidade #RuppiaDrepanensis #LIFERestoreSeagrass

🎉 Congratulations to Gago Coutinho Airport on its 60th anniversary! ✈️💙 Today we celebrate not only six decades of connections and growth in the Algarve, but also our commitment to the conservation of the Ria Formosa - one of our greatest natural assets. As part of the celebrations, a work by artist Inês Barracha was inaugurated, made with the support of airport employees. The piece depicts a marine meadow, home to the seahorse, and draws attention to an invisible threat: anchorages. When poorly installed, anchor chains drag along the bottom with the movement of tides and boats, destroying vegetation and opening up gaps in the seagrass beds. This impact reduces biodiversity and jeopardises blue carbon sequestration. The airport is an active partner in the RESTORESEAGRASS project and has been an example of how different sectors can join forces to protect our ecosystems. Congratulations and thank you for being with us on this mission for a bluer and more sustainable future! 💚🌊 The RESTORESEAGRASS project is co-financed by the European Union through LIFE Programme ANA - Aeroportos de Portugal, SA Secil Project partners: Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), Ispa - Instituto Universitário, SPEA - Sociedade Portuguesa para o Estudo das Aves CSIC Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas (ICNF) Ocean Alive PhytoBloom - Microalgae by Necton Pescalgarve #restoreseagrass #seagrass #ervasmarinhas #restaurodehabitats #carbonoazul #biodiversidade

🌿 RESTORESEAGRASS | The Silent Threat of Caulerpa prolifera in the Ria Formosa Caulerpa prolifera, a green macroalga with an unclear native status, is rapidly spreading across the lagoon's seabeds. Its ecological impacts have been studied by the Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR) team, partner of the RESTORESEAGRASS project, which is now engaged in active removal efforts to control the species. 🔍 What have studies revealed? ✔ C. prolifera is replacing bare sediment areas and invading native seagrass meadows like Zostera marina and Cymodocea nodosa; ✔ Areas dominated by Caulerpa show reduced faunal diversity, including the loss of key species like the tanaid Apseudopsis formosus — a vital food source for endangered seahorses; ✔ Juvenile stages of commercially important species (e.g., soles, seabream, clams) are found almost exclusively in native seagrasses or bare sediments — not in Caulerpa-invaded zones; ✔ The loss of natural habitats may directly impact biodiversity and fisheries in the region. 📚 The case of Caulerpa prolifera in the Ria Formosa is complex. Although considered non-native, it's not entirely clear whether it's exotic or a re-emerging native. Historical records document its presence in the 19th century (by Welwitsch) and again in the 1930s. However, it disappeared for decades, only to be rediscovered in 2011 in the Fuseta channel — already showing aggressive behavior. Since then, it has spread throughout the lagoon's channels, with documented impacts on associated faunal communities. 🧬 Genetic analysis confirmed its identity and suggested a Mediterranean origin for the current population. Yet, its reappearance may be linked to environmental changes or accidental reintroduction, the exact cause remains unknown. 🧹 As part of the RESTORESEAGRASS project, active removal of Caulerpa prolifera is underway to halt its spread and create space for native habitat recovery. - Parreira, F., Martinez-Crego, B., Afonso, C. M. L., Machado, M., Oliveira, F., Gonçalves, J. M. S., & Santos, R. (2021). Biodiversity consequences of Caulerpa prolifera takeover of a coastal lagoon. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 255, 107344. https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.plnkd.in/dFkTi87a - Cunha, A. H., Varela-Álvarez, E., Paulo, D. S., Sousa, I., & Serrão, E. Á. (2013). The rediscovery of Caulerpa prolifera in Ria Formosa, Portugal, 60 years after the previous record. Cahiers de Biologie Marine, 54(3), 359–364. Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), Ispa - Instituto Universitário, CSIC - IMEDEA CSIC, SPEA - Sociedade Portuguesa para o Estudo das Aves, Ocean Alive, Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas (ICNF), Salt by Necton, Pescalgarve Co-funded by the European Union through the LIFE Programme, and by ANA - Aeroportos de Portugal, SA #restoreseagrass #seagrass #ervasmarinhas #restaurodehabitats #carbonoazul #biodiversidade #caulerpa

Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR) is currently recruiting a Science Communication and Outreach Officer to join our team with effect from September 2025. The successful candidate will be responsible for engaging schools, local communities and stakeholders through creative and impactful communication. You will have the opportunity to work on international projects in the areas of conservation, aquaculture and blue biotechnology. These projects will contribute to real change through science engagement. If you have experience in applying communication skills in a collaborative, research-driven environment, we would be interested in hearing from you.   Key responsibilities: ⦁  Planning and developing communication materials (e.g.: flyers, brochures, posters, exhibit materials, educational resources) that effectively convey the essence of our research projects. ⦁  Liaising with researchers and project partners to implement joint communication and stakeholder engagement activities. ⦁  Organizing outreach events and activities for different audiences (school community, wider public, stakeholders). ⦁  Developing appealing content for different social media platforms (posts, reels, caroussels, etc) and ensure engagement with users. ⦁  Monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on project communication activities, ensuring timely delivery of milestones. ⦁  Providing support to the activities developed by the CCMAR Ocean Education Unit.   Requirements: 1.  A degree (Licenciatura/BSc. postgraduation or MSc) in Natural Sciences or in Communication related areas. 2.  Proficiency in English and Portuguese (Excellent level - oral, comprehension and written) clearly stated in the CV. 3.  Minimum of 1 year of experience in communication activities.  4.  Driver’s licence and willingness to drive institutional vehicles when developing outreach events.   Application: 1.  Motivation letter in English or Portuguese 2.  Detailed CV in English or Portuguese, demonstrating experience in the areas defined in the ideal profile below. The CV must include indication of possession of a driver’s license and proficiency in English and Portuguese. 3.  Degree certificate. 4.  Other documents or portfolio that support the different areas of experience defined in the ideal profile below (optional but advantageous). 5.  Email contact and letter of recommendation for up to 3 references.   Our offer: Predicted to start in September 2025 Full-time contract Salary: €1,705.73/month + health insurance option Work at one of Portugal’s top marine research centres with occasional travel   Only applications submitted via our portal will be considered: https://xmrrwallet.com/cmx.plnkd.in/dxV-qE9v

🌊💙 A Dive for the Future of the Ocean On June 28th, 31 children and 9 adults from the Clube do Mar, also known as Escola Azul de Marinhais, experienced an unforgettable day: they went snorkeling in the seagrass meadows of the Ria Formosa, near Culatra Island. Coming from inland Ribatejo, these young explorers and their families showed that loving and protecting the Ocean is not about geography — it's about willpower. Through continuous work, this school club has been shaping young minds who are aware of the importance of conserving marine ecosystems, even from far away from the sea. With the support of the RESTORESEAGRASS project and in partnership with Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), through the involvement of CCMAR Diving, this activity allowed participants to observe marine biodiversity up close and to understand the vital role of seagrass meadows in ocean health and climate change mitigation. 💬 “The Clube do Mar/Escola Azul of EB 2,3 de Marinhais aims to know our Ocean in order to love it. Loving it is the best way to feel it as part of us, always seeking its Recovery, Protection, and Conservation.” — Rui Ávila da Rosa, teacher and coordinator of the Clube do Mar. We are proud to support initiatives that bring together science, education, and action — inspiring a new generation to dive in, learn, and protect. Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR) | Ispa - Instituto Universitário | CSIC | SPEA - Sociedade Portuguesa para o Estudo das Aves | Ocean Alive | Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas (ICNF) | Salt by Necton | Pescalgarve Co-funded by the European Union through the lifeprogramme, ANA - Aeroportos de Portugal, SA and Secil. #restoreseagrass #seagrass #ervasmarinhas #restaurodehabitats #carbonoazul #biodiversidade #economiaazul

🌿 LIFE RESTORESEAGRASS | Seagrass Transplants in Ria Formosa The diving team from Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), partner of the RESTORESEAGRASS project, is carrying out seagrass transplant operations in Ria Formosa, one of the most important coastal ecosystems in southern Portugal. 🔍 What’s being done? ✔ Transplanting Zostera marina, a key species for carbon capture, sediment stability, and marine biodiversity; ✔ Using large transplant blocks, a method backed by long-term scientific research showing that successful restoration in exposed marine areas requires large initial patch sizes to withstand storms and grazing; ✔ Choosing spring as the transplant season, when conditions are most favorable for growth and establishment; ✔ Sourcing donor plants from healthy meadows within Ria Formosa, known for their resilience and regenerative capacity. 📖 Previous studies have shown that small, scattered planting units are often wiped out by storms, sediment shifts, or fish herbivory. In contrast, larger patches can overcome ecological tipping points, allowing the habitat to recover and stabilize naturally. 🌱 This work, led by Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), is part of the RESTORESEAGRASS project and represents a critical step toward active restoration of seagrass meadows — ecosystems vital to ocean health and climate resilience. #RESTORESEAGRASS #SeagrassMeadows #CCMAR #RiaFormosa #MarineConservation #BlueCarbon #Biodiversity #Natura2000 #OceanConservation #EcosystemRestoration Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR) | Ispa - Instituto Universitário | CSIC | SPEA - Sociedade Portuguesa para o Estudo das Aves | Ocean Alive | ICNF | Salt by Necton Co-funded by the European Union through the LIFE Programme, ANA - Aeroportos de Portugal, SA, and Secil