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On 1 April, the CESAM/DBIO team — composed of researcher Rita Tinoco Torres, Eduardo Ferreira (postdoctoral fellow), Nuno Pinto (senior technician), and Dário Hipólito (PhD student) — took part in a working meeting held in Vila Real, organised by the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF). The meeting focused on analysing and defining key measures to be implemented to improve the conservation status of the Iberian wolf in Portugal, under the scope of the Alcateia Programme 2025–2035.

The team members participated in several sectoral meetings, actively engaging and contributing, together with representatives from various sectors, to the development of the Alcateia Programme. Their involvement aimed to safeguard the interests of all stakeholders and promote coexistence between the Iberian wolf and human communities across the species’ distribution range.

This participation aligns with the ongoing work of the Wildlife Unit (CESAM/DBIO) in monitoring, conservation, and research projects focused on the Iberian wolf — notably the long-term Monitoring of the Iberian Wolf South of the Douro (ACHLI), which has been running continuously for 13 years, as well as recent involvement in the National Iberian Wolf Census (2019–2021), and the LIFE WOLFLUX and LIFE LUPI-LYNX projects.

During the session, the results of the 2019–2021 National Iberian Wolf Census were also presented, along with an update on the implementation of the operational objectives of the Action Plan for the Conservation of the Iberian Wolf in Portugal (PACLobo).

The Ministry of Environment and Energy identified the need to define a new cycle of targeted measures aimed at achieving a favourable conservation status for the Iberian wolf population in Portugal, over a 10-year horizon. Funding is expected to be allocated to initiatives and projects during this period, within the framework of the Alcateia Programme 2025–2035.

Rosário Domingues, researcher at CESAM and professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Aveiro, participated as an invited speaker in the international webinar “Food Lipidomics: New Trends and the EpiLipidNET Community”, hosted by the prestigious American Oil Chemists’ Society (AOCS), on March 28, 2025.

In her presentation titled “EpiLipidNET Community and the Growing Interest in Food Lipids and Lipidomics for Healthier and More Sustainable Diets”, the researcher addressed the increasing recognition of food lipidomics as a key tool to understand the role of lipids in foods—both from nutritional and functional perspectives—with a direct impact on human health and the sustainability of food systems.

Lipidomics, a branch of science focused on the comprehensive characterization of lipids in a given biological sample, has gained particular relevance in the study of complex foods. It enables the identification of thousands of lipid substances with potential metabolic, inflammatory, or antioxidant implications. In this context, Professor Rosário Domingues highlighted recent technological advances in food lipidome analysis, as well as major analytical and interpretative challenges, namely the natural variability of food samples, the structural complexity of lipids, and the integration with other omics areas such as metabolomics and proteomics.

During her talk, she also introduced the scientific community of EpiLipidNET, a European interdisciplinary network supported by COST Action and dedicated to advancing epilipidomics and lipidomics. The network currently includes more than 460 researchers from 52 countries. Running from 2020 to 2024, this initiative aimed to foster collaboration between research groups, industry, and regulatory authorities, creating synergies for standardizing methodologies and developing new applications in health, nutrition, environment, and the food industry. Professor Rosário Domingues coordinated this COST Action throughout its four-year duration and emphasized that, even after its official conclusion, the network remains active, with new collaborations and projects underway.

The webinar organized by AOCS brought together international experts in food lipidomic, providing a valuable platform for sharing knowledge and discussing emerging scientific trends, regulatory challenges, and future perspectives in lipid research applied to food and nutrition. The participation of the University of Aveiro researcher in this event reflects the active and recognized role of Portuguese academia in shaping cutting-edge knowledge in strategic areas for public health and food sustainability.

The Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) is a key initiative of the European Union’s Earth observation programme, delivering high-quality and reliable data on air pollution and health, solar energy, greenhouse gases, and climate forcing worldwide. These efforts are supported by a consortium of national entities, including the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA), the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), the CoLab +ATLANTIC, and the Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), from the University of Aveiro.

Managed by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) on behalf of the European Commission, CAMS integrates satellite and in-situ observations with advanced forecast models to provide valuable insights for businesses, policymakers, and researchers tackling atmospheric challenges.

Portugal actively leverages CAMS products to enhance air quality management at national and regional levels. The National CAMS Partnership (NCP) in Portugal focuses on integrating CAMS forecasts into the national air quality information system, QualAr, to improve data resolution and accessibility for authorities and stakeholders.

Key objectives of the Portugal NCP include:

• Integration of CAMS Products: Incorporating CAMS air quality forecasts into QualAr to enhance public and policymaker access to reliable data.
  
• Localised Air Quality Forecasting: Implementing high-resolution modelling to tailor forecasts to regional and urban conditions.
  
• Promoting Science-Based Decision-Making: Enhancing dialogue among policymakers, scientists, and local authorities to build robust, operational solutions that improve public health and environmental well-being.

High-resolution simulation domains for dynamic downscaling of regional air quality forecast — example of PM2.5 levels over mainland Portugal taken from https://atmosphere.copernicus.eu/portugal

As a key Portuguese partner in the CAMS initiative, CESAM is committed to bridging the gap between atmospheric science and practical applications for air quality management in Portugal. CESAM plays a central role in:

• Downscaling Air Quality Forecasts: Leading the dynamic downscaling of CAMS forecasts to provide high-resolution air quality predictions tailored to urban areas and pollution hotspots in Portugal.
  
• Facilitating Stakeholder Engagement: Developing educational materials to promote the use of CAMS products among public authorities.
  
• Strengthening National Collaboration: Working with its network of partners and associates to align national and local priorities with CAMS services.

Through its active involvement, CESAM is ensuring that CAMS products are not only scientifically rigorous but also operationally accessible, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment for Portugal’s citizens.

For more information on CAMS and its impact in Portugal, visit its website.

The 10th edition of the Coastal Dynamics conference will take place at the University of Aveiro from 7 to 11 April. The conference will welcome around 350 coastal dynamics specialists from 35 countries across all five continents.

The Local Organising Committee includes representatives from the University of Aveiro (Departments of Civil Engineering, Physics and Geosciences, and the research units RISCO and CESAM), the Port of Aveiro Administration, the National Laboratory for Civil Engineering (LNEC), and the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA).

CESAM is represented on the Organising Committee by Professor Paulo Silva (CESAM/DGEO) and Researcher Paulo Baganha (CESAM/DGEO), and on the Scientific Committee by Professor João Miguel Dias (CESAM/DFIS), Professor Fátima Alves (CESAM/DAO), and Researcher Cristina Bernardes (CESAM/DGEO).

Coastal Dynamics is one of the leading international conferences for scientists in the field of coastal dynamics. The first edition was held in 1994 in Barcelona. Since then, it has taken place in Gdansk, Poland (1995); Plymouth, United Kingdom (1997); Lund, Sweden (2001); Barcelona, Spain (2005); Tokyo, Japan (2009); Arcachon, France (2013); Helsingør, Denmark (2017); and Delft, the Netherlands (2021).

The theme for the 2025 conference is “Living with a Dynamic Coast”. Recent research will be presented on the dynamics and changes of coastal systems, including remote and in situ field observations, laboratory studies, and numerical modelling approaches.

The conference will feature a full scientific programme, complemented by social activities and three technical field trips. On the opening day, three short courses will be held, covering the following topics: Coastal resilience; Integration of scientific and climate data into coastal engineering; and Coastal rehabilitation in the context of sea-level rise. The programme will also include two plenary sessions with invited speakers Bregje van Wesenbeeck and Alec Torres-Freyermuth, a session led by APA reflecting on the past, present, and future of Portuguese coastal management, and the presentation of the prestigious Coastal Award to Andrew Short (Australia), in recognition of his significant contributions to the field.

The event will host 38 parallel sessions, featuring 223 oral presentations and 51 posters. The week will conclude with three technical field visits to: the Esmoriz-Furadouro coastal stretch and Port of Aveiro; the southern stretch of Figueira da Foz and its port; and the São Jacinto Nature Reserve and Ria de Aveiro.

You can consult the full conference programme [here].

Originally published in: UA News, 2 April 2025.

The work of Niedja Santos (PhD student) and Sara Reis (master’s student), coordinated by Inês Domingues, and Miguel Oliveira, researchers at CESAM/DBIO, was recently featured on the cover of the March edition of the scientific journal Toxics (MDPI, Volume 13, Issue 3).

The article, titled “Does Personality Modulate the Sensitivity to Contaminants? A Case Study with Cadmium and Caffeine”, explores in an innovative way how the personality of zebrafish (Danio rerio), specifically their degree of shyness or boldness, can affect their sensitivity to exposure to common contaminants in aquatic environments, such as cadmium and caffeine.

The researchers assessed the behavior of the fish before and after exposure to realistic concentrations of these two contaminants. Based on standardized tests, the fish were classified as either “shy” or “bold.” After exposure, it was observed that shy individuals showed greater sensitivity, with more noticeable behavioral changes such as reduced locomotor activity and longer periods of immobility.

These results indicate that personality is a relevant factor in how aquatic organisms respond to pollution, and that individual variability may have important implications for environmental risk assessment studies. Traditionally, ecotoxicology has assumed that all individuals of a species react in the same way to contamination, but this study highlights the need to consider intraspecific behavioral diversity in order to achieve more realistic and representative assessments.

Cadmium is a toxic metal associated with industrial activities, while caffeine is considered an emerging contaminant, frequently detected in wastewater. Both compounds are known to have effects on the health of aquatic organisms, even at low concentrations.

This work shows that, beyond chemical and environmental factors, individual traits can play a central role in organisms’ vulnerability to pollution. Integrating personality traits into ecotoxicological studies could therefore improve our understanding of the risks associated with contaminants and contribute to more effective strategies for monitoring and protecting aquatic ecosystems.

Full article available [here].

Alexandra Monteiro, researcher at the Department of Environment and Planning and the Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) at the University of Aveiro, was interviewed on the RTP1 programme “A Prova dos Factos” (The Test of Facts), which addressed the topic “Crematoria in Portugal: Unregulated and Unmonitored”.

In the interview, the expert shared her perspective as an air quality researcher, discussing what is currently known about the impact of cremations on air pollution.

According to the data presented, the number of cremations in Portugal has increased by 50% over the past five years. However, this activity remains largely understudied and is practically exempt from specific regulation. Cremations mostly take place in cemeteries or crematoria located near residential areas, raising serious public health concerns due to the absence of monitoring and the lack of legal requirements for measuring pollutant emissions resulting from the process.

At present, there is only a single national estimate, which considers the cremation of the body alone, without accounting for the burning of the coffin or other aspects of the procedure. Even so, the results suggest that, for most pollutants, emissions are relatively insignificant. However, mercury released from dental amalgams stands out as a cause for concern, showing a more significant contribution. This heavy metal is particularly dangerous due to its capacity to accumulate in ecosystems, posing long-term environmental risks.

The researcher also warned of the potential release of dioxins highly toxic and carcinogenic compounds since cremation is, in practice, a form of incineration. She emphasised that proper oversight and regulation of cremation processes are essential to ensure compliance with environmental standards and to safeguard public health, especially in a sector that remains largely unregulated in Portugal.

Full interview available on RTP: A Prova dos Factos – Crematoria in Portugal: Unregulated and Unmonitored.

Applications for the 2025 edition of the Belmiro de Azevedo Foundation Award – Conservation, Restoration and Monitoring of Biodiversity in Portugal are open from 1 to 30 April 2025. This award is the result of a collaboration between the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) and the Belmiro de Azevedo Foundation (FBA), aiming to support outstanding scientific projects that make a significant contribution to the conservation, ecological restoration, and monitoring of biodiversity in Portugal.

By promoting the application of scientific knowledge in the service of nature conservation, the award has recognised projects of high technical and scientific quality, presenting innovative approaches supported by robust methodologies and with real impact on national territory. This recognition is particularly relevant in a context of increasing pressure on ecosystems, where science plays a crucial role in shaping effective strategies to mitigate biodiversity loss. By supporting projects with a strong applied component, the award contributes to the integration of scientific knowledge into decision-making, fostering collaboration between researchers, managers, and policymakers. Moreover, it highlights research carried out in Portugal and promotes its internationalisation, positioning the country at the forefront of global conservation efforts.

In the 2023 edition, first place was awarded to the project “CCforBio – Ecological Corridors in Forest Plantations: Benefits for Biodiversity, Timber Production and Carbon Sequestration”, led by Bruna Raquel Figueiredo Oliveira, a researcher at CESAM/DAO, University of Aveiro. This project proposes the implementation of conservation corridors in forest landscapes, reconciling ecological and economic objectives by simultaneously promoting biodiversity, sustainable timber production, and carbon sequestration. With funding of €207,698, the project stands out for its integrative approach and relevance to the multifunctional management of forest ecosystems in Portugal.

The awarding of this prize to the researcher further strengthened CESAM’s recognition in the fields of biodiversity and sustainability. In addition to acknowledging scientific merit, this award enhances the practical application of research and increases the visibility of science produced in Portugal within the European and international context.

A study led by biologist Sílvia Monteiro, from CESAM/DBIO and ECOMARE at the University of Aveiro (UA), identified a temporal shift in the diet of the minke whale in Atlantic waters off the Iberian Peninsula, potentially linked to variations in sardine abundance.

The research analysed the diet of this cetacean species between 2005 and 2024. It found that during the period of sardine scarcity (2005–2015), resulting from prolonged low recruitment associated with fishing above sustainable levels, the diet of the minke whale became more diverse, including species such as horse mackerel, mackerel, and sardine. In the following years, as the sardine stock began to recover (2016–2024), sardine once again became the dominant prey.

The link between the minke whale’s diet and sardine abundance suggests that the fisheries management measures implemented in Portugal had a positive impact on the recovery of this prey species, says Sílvia Monteiro, who co-authored the study alongside researchers Andreia Torres Pereira, Alfredo López, Maria Inês Azevedo, and Catarina Eira. However, the researchers caution that cetaceans with high metabolic demands, like the minke whale, are highly dependent on prey species with high nutritional value. Their physical condition may be compromised when such prey becomes scarce, which could affect the resilience of the population, currently classified as Vulnerable in the Iberian Peninsula.

The study by CESAM/DBIO also highlights a potential overlap between the resources targeted by commercial fisheries and the feeding habits of the minke whale, in terms of species, size, and nutritional quality. Although such overlap does not necessarily indicate direct competition, the researchers warn of the risk of negative impacts when fish stocks decline and face high fishing pressure. In these situations, fishing can pose both direct threats, through bycatch, and indirect threats, through the overexploitation of key prey species essential to the whales’ survival.

Understanding the feeding habits of minke whales is crucial for co-management and conservation efforts, particularly in light of changes in fish stocks. To ensure the sustainability of marine ecosystems and minimise the impacts on this species, the researchers stress the need to strengthen fish stock monitoring and implement measures to reduce cetacean bycatch. They also highlight the importance of international cooperation and strengthening stranding networks to collect more data on the ecology and physical condition of minke whales in this region.

By understanding the ecological role of minke whales, says Sílvia Monteiro, “we can contribute to conservation strategies tailored to multiple species, ensuring coexistence, and improve nature-based solutions aimed at restoring marine ecosystems. Whales play a role in carbon sequestration through the nutrient cycle, which is crucial for marine productivity and, more broadly, for ocean sustainability and climate resilience.”

This study represents the first description of the minke whale’s diet in the southern part of its North Atlantic distribution. It was carried out in collaboration with researchers from the Oceanographic Centre of Vigo (COV, IEO-CSIC), the Institute of Marine Research (IIM-CSIC), and the stranding networks of Portugal (coordinated nationally by the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests – ICNF) and Galicia (regionally coordinated by the Coordinator for the Study of Marine Mammals – CEMMA). The knowledge gained may contribute to ecosystem-based fisheries management strategies, promoting sustainable coexistence between fishing activities and marine predators.

Originally published in: UA News, March 28, 2025

With its opening scheduled for 3 April at 5:00 PM, the photography exhibition “A Colourful World of Spiders” will be on display at the “Nicho Expositivo” in the Department of Biology (DBIO), University of Aveiro, until 30 June. The exhibition showcases the work of Aldiro Pereira, António Vieira, and Fábio Gomes, who have captured the beauty and complexity of these fascinating creatures. Each image reflects the photographers’ sharp eye and sensitivity, highlighting intricate details often invisible to the naked eye.

The world of spiders is both fascinating and misunderstood, frequently associated with fear, myths, and legends across various cultures. In Greek mythology, Arachne is transformed into a spider after challenging the goddess Athena; in ancient Egypt, spiders symbolized protection and rebirth; in Hindu tradition, the spider represents illusion and the creation of the universe; and in Eastern European folklore, spiders and their webs play starring roles in Christmas stories. From a human perspective, spiders may be among the most patient and persistent organisms, particularly in their web-building hunting strategies.

Morphologically, spiders have eight legs (in contrast to insects, which have six), and possess chelicerae capable of injecting venom. They are anatomically distinct from other arthropods due to their body plan: a cephalothorax, where the eyes are located, and an abdomen, which includes the spinnerets used for producing silk. Each species has unique traits, including its web, which can vary widely in both form and function.

Spiders are generalist predators, feeding primarily on insects and other invertebrates. They play an essential ecological role by helping to control insect populations, including agricultural pests, thus contributing to crop health. Furthermore, spiders are valuable indicators of environmental health, as their presence often reflects habitat quality. They also serve as prey for small reptiles, amphibians, insects, and other arachnids.

Thanks to their remarkable adaptability, spiders can be found in nearly every type of habitat, from tropical rainforests to arid deserts, and even at extreme altitudes such as 6,700 meters in the Himalayas. In Portugal, around 1,000 species of spiders are known, with only two, the Mediterranean Black Widow (Latrodectus tredecimguttatus) and the Violin Spider (Loxosceles rufescens) posing any potential medical concern. However, both are extremely shy and pose no real threat to humans, preferring to flee rather than engage.

Through the lenses of Aldiro Pereira, António Vieira, and Fábio Gomes, visitors are invited to explore a colourful and diverse world, rich in textures and forms. Each photograph opens a window into nature’s extraordinary complexity and artistry. The exhibition features striking images that highlight spiders’ morphological, behavioral, and adaptive diversity, aiming to promote greater appreciation and acceptance of these vital yet often maligned creatures.

The exhibition is curated by Aldiro Pereira, with scientific review and species identification by Jorge Henriques (CESAM/DBio researcher) and Cristóvão Belperin (CESAM/DBio PhD student), who also provided detailed captions for each image.

The exhibition is open to the public during DBio’s regular hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Originally published in UA Notícias on 26 March 2025.

On April 9, at 5:00 p.m., the exhibition “The Climate Line” opened at the Hélène de Beauvoir Room in the Library of the University of Aveiro (UA). The exhibition will run until May 21, 2025. It offers a reflection on climate change, using crochet to transform scientific data into textile art. Admission is free, and the event aims to engage both the academic community and the public in raising awareness of one of the greatest global challenges.

“The Climate Line” presents 30 scarves, each representing a year in the climate series of Aveiro, from 1994 to 2023. Each row of crochet symbolizes the average daily temperature of a given day, translating thermal variations into unique, handmade pieces. The project is a collective initiative by researchers from the Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) and the Department of Environment and Planning (DAO) at the University of Aveiro, in collaboration with the University’s Library, Information and Museology Services (SBIDM).

More than just an exhibition, “The Climate Line” offers a new way of communicating science in a sensitive and accessible manner, bringing the community closer to scientific knowledge through creativity. Textile art emerges as a vehicle for reflection on our relationship with the planet and the impacts of climate change on our daily lives.

In addition to the exhibition, two complementary activities aim to deepen public engagement through hands-on experiences related to crochet and atmospheric sciences. On April 10 and 11, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., crochet workshops took place in the Hélène de Beauvoir Room. During these sessions, participants will learn crochet techniques and collaborate in creating new pieces, while being encouraged to reflect on the relationship between art and science.

On April 14, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., the workshop “Data Acquisition for Atmospheric Sciences – ERA5 and CAMS” took palce in the Library’s Training Room. This workshop will focus on using the API provided by the ECMWF/Copernicus Programme to access meteorological reanalysis and air quality data. Registration for this workshop is mandatory.

The “Climate Line” project is supported by Rosários4, a brand recognized for its commitment to sustainability, using ecological fibers and natural dyes, reflecting the values of environmental awareness that underpin the entire exhibition.

Activity Calendar

Exhibition: The Climate Line
April 9 to May 21, 2025 | Hélène de Beauvoir Room, UA Library | Free entry

Crochet Workshops
April 10 and 11, 2025, 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Hélène de Beauvoir Room, UA Library | Free entry

Workshop: Data Acquisition for Atmospheric Sciences – ERA5 and CAMS
April 14, 2025, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | UA Library Training Room | Registration required

“The Climate Line” is a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of art and science, offering a fresh perspective on climate data and the urgent need to take action in response to the changes already affecting our planet. Don’t miss the chance to take part and engage in this important conversation.

Originally published in: UA News, March 25, 2025