SEDMAR

The SEDMAR program (acronym for “Marine Sediment Mapping”) aims to enhance scientific knowledge and produce thematic maps of the geological nature and the sedimentary characteristics of the seabed along the Portuguese continental margins, including the insular margins of the Azores and Madeira. To this end, the program is divided into projects based on geographic areas.

Understanding the nature of the seabed is essential for any defense or economic activity, as well as for the inventory of marine resources (including living resources) and the preservation of marine biodiversity (through the detection of potentially sensitive ecosystems). In the marine environment, the exploitation of any resource (living and non-living), requires spatial planning and management policies grounded in scientific knowledge. Thus, this program primarily seeks to increase scientific understanding of the Portuguese margin and promote economic development, serving as the foundation for the subsequent application of appropriate measures for resource planning and management. It also supports the characterization of marine biodiversity, the preservation and protection of ecosystems, particularly the most fragile ones and those under greater pressure. As such, the products and results of this project, to be made available upon completion as fundamental documents for national spatial planning, will support I&D activities, management tools for initiatives related to resource inventory, environmental protection measures, and any other activities where the geological nature of the seabed is a critical factor.

The Marine Sediment Mapping program includes collaboration with others national and international institutions, as well as university students, allowing young trainees and future national researchers to benefit from the exchange and sharing of experiences and knowledge.

Under this programme, several campaigns have already been carried out on the continental shelf and in the archipelagos of Madeira and the Azores. Access more detailed information about the equipment, products and sedimentological tests used by IH within the scope of this programme.

Some of the results of the program appear in the format of scientific articles and summaries of international conferences.