Project Oceanographic Cruise AQUIMAR

Since April 16, it has been aboard the NRP D. Carlos I, another oceanographic cruise of the AQUIMAR project – General characterization of aquaculture areas for marine crop establishments.

The main objective of the project is to define which areas on the Portuguese coast are most appropriate for the installation of aquaculture infrastructure in a sustainable development perspective.

Another objective of the project is the mapping of microplastics present in the surface sedimentary layer and surface waters of the Portuguese continental shelf and transition areas (Rias de Aveiro and Formosa and estuaries of the Mira and Mondego rivers).

The current cruise, which covers almost all of the Portuguese coast, began on the south coast of Portugal, with the occupation of about 125 positions for data and samples acquisition.

Currently, the area of the northern coast of Portugal is covered, between Leixões and Viana do Castelo, having already been occupied about 60 of the positions planned for that area.