Institute of Oceanography, University of Lisbon

Status: University with national responsibility

Web site: http://www.io.fc.ul.pt

Address: Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal

The Institute de Oceanography (IO) is a research unit with a multidisciplinary character. Pioneer research in relevant areas of estuarine and marine sciences continues to be developed by the Physical Oceanography, Marine Botany and Marine Zoology groups.

The long-standing experience, coupled with renovated expertise concerning new technologies and scientific approaches, the participation in both national and international research projects, supports the dynamics of IO.

A large component of the research undertaken by the Physical Oceanography team has dealt with the use of satellite remote sensing for the study of space-time variability of SST in the Eastern North-Atlantic. The results have been published in the international scientific literature. The observations, both in situ and by remote sensing, undertaken by PO during the last two decades, have shown the basic components of the Portugal Current System. The generation of eddies associated with the Mediterranean Undercurrent off Portugal has been studied using observations and numerical modelling. Radar imagery has allowed the study of the distribution and generation sites of internal waves off Iberian Peninsula and shown evidence of associated enhanced phytoplankton growth. Oil spill drift using remote sensing and numerical modelling has started being developed.

The ecology of microphytobenthos, phytoplankton and halophytes in the Tagus estuary, including their role in estuarine nitrogen and carbon cycling has been intensively studied. The importance of halophytes in heavy metals sequestering has been well established. The application of in vivo chlorophyll a fluorometry to study microalgae migration patterns together with the use of HPLC for chemio-taxonomy, have been promising new approaches.
One of the main questions regarding HABs is there possible link to climate change or human impact on coastal environments. Studies on dinoflagellate cyst have contributed to the understanding of the past and present day bloom dynamics.
Ecology and biodiversity of seaweeds, life cycle and commercial exploitation of Gelidium, constitute other examples of fundamental and applied on-going research.

Comprehension of structure, functioning and dynamics of coastal, estuarine and freshwater animal communities, including population genetics has been one of the main objectives of the institute researchers. Other important subject of research has been the rehabilitation and conservation of aquatic ecosystems and of endangered species, with emphasis on diadromous fish. Studies on potential new fisheries and investigation of environmental impact of this activity have also been addressed in the last years. Important taxonomic studies have been performed, focused mainly on marine sponge and fish otoliths.

Marine Zoology Group

web site: http://www.io.fc.ul.pt/zoomar/index.htm

Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Head: Prof. M.J. Costa
Research themes (Zoology group):

• Studies on diadromous fish populations:
  o Sea lamprey, allis shad, twaitte shad, European eel and mullets;
  o Fish telemetry and other tagging techniques;
  o General biology and ecology;
  o Fish passage;
  o Habitat restoration;
• Other themes:
  o Morphological study of fish otoliths;
  o Deep-water fish species;
  o Impact of the artisanal fisheries on Portuguese coast;
  o Ecological Monitoring;
  o Assessment of Ecological Water Quality;
  o Marine sponges – Biological and ecological studies.

Contact for Diadfish: Professor Pedro R. Almeida
Annual budget: 150 000 €/year of external funding (2002)
Number of scientist + PhD students involved in diadromous fish studies: 3 + 2

Scientists staff:

Scientists in contract

PhD students

Technician staff:

Two administrative and three technicians (one year contracts)

Specialist facilities:

• Three marine biology laboratories;
• Holding tank (2m3) and aquariums;
• Sampling and telemetry devices;
• Tagging devices;
• Water quality multiprobes;
• Current meter and fluxmeter;
• Different types of grabs;
• One pneumatic boat fully equipped and two cars (one jeep);