National Sea Day, celebrated on 16 November, reminds us of Portugal’s profound connection to the Ocean and of our collective responsibility to understand, value and protect it. At CESAM, this date is marked through research that, every day, transforms scientific knowledge into solutions for a more sustainable Ocean. With an inter- and transdisciplinary, transformative approach, CESAM covers the full spectrum of marine and coastal systems – from the deep ocean to the coastal zone – from climate modelling to biodiversity conservation, from coastal safety and erosion to the blue bioeconomy, contributing to the advancement of knowledge, policy design, innovation, and the resilience of ecosystems and coastal communities.
Amadeu Soares, Director of CESAM, emphasises that: “Although Ocean research is transversal to many Research Units at the University of Aveiro, CESAM – the only UA Research Unit recognised as an Associated Laboratory, whose mission focuses on the Environment and the Ocean – has this as its central axis, a dimension that must be valued, under penalty of losing identity and diluting the area of the Sea within and beyond UA itself. As the author of the proposal that enabled ECOMARE, I advocate investment in iconic infrastructures. ECOMARE is exemplary: it brings together excellent CESAM research, public service and territorial identity, projecting both CESAM and the University. For these icons to fully accomplish their mission, they must have inclusive governance, open to all Research Units, that must indicate the management of the infrastructure, and partners. I also highlight the two international distinctions awarded this week, in the context of the Atlantic Project Awards 2025, for projects led by CESAM: SMARTDEC (Atlantic Ports) and WIN-BIG (Blue Skills). This culture of collaboration and service, spanning the entire chain – from fundamental research to economic valorisation and public policy– is also what we celebrate today.”
CESAM is a national and international reference research unit dedicated to the integrated study of the environment, biodiversity and the Ocean. Celebrating 25 years of activity in 2026, it brings together multidisciplinary teams that develop fundamental and applied science, promoting solutions to inform policy, technological innovation and sustainable development. CESAM is structured into six Research Clusters, which strengthen the centre’s main scientific areas, fostering collaborative research, competitive capacity and societal impact.
Among these, five Clusters address, directly or indirectly, themes related to the Ocean and marine systems. Cluster 1 – Deep Sea, Ocean and Transitional Ecosystems – is fully dedicated to marine and transitional ecosystems; Cluster 3 – Oceanic and Atmospheric Modelling – focuses on oceanic and atmospheric modelling; Cluster 4 – Ecosystem Management and Conservation – includes applied research on marine and coastal ecosystem conservation; Cluster 5 – Environmental Monitoring, Health and Risk Assessment – contributes to environmental monitoring and risk assessment in aquatic systems; and Cluster 6 – Circular Economy, Resource Optimisation and Energy – reinforces the blue bioeconomy through the sustainable valorisation of marine resources. Thus, CESAM asserts a strong vocation for marine science and for the development of solutions that promote Ocean sustainability.
The work carried out in Cluster 1 – Deep Sea, Ocean and Transitional Ecosystems – exemplifies this mission by focusing on understanding marine ecosystems, from the deep sea to transitional zones. Researchers map vulnerable habitats, assess anthropogenic impacts, monitor ecological change and provide robust evidence to guide management decisions. Projects such as SHORESAFETY, which uses video and laser technology to monitor coastal dynamics in near real time and reinforce beach safety in areas such as Mira, and REDRESS, which defines restoration strategies for deep-sea environments and habitats degraded by bottom trawling, demonstrate how science supports conservation policies and international biodiversity targets.
Ana Hilário, CESAM/DBio researcher and Coordinator of Cluster 1, highlights that: “In this cluster we transform science into responsible ocean management: we map habitats, monitor pressures, repair damage and protect lives, from the deep sea to transitional zones. Celebrating the sea means renewing a daily commitment to science, courageous policies and a living ocean for future generations.”
Equally essential is the contribution of Cluster 3 – Oceanic and Atmospheric Modelling, dedicated to the development of advanced computational models that assess the influence of human activities on climate, water and air quality, and the occurrence of extreme events. The InundaRia project, focused on the Ria de Aveiro, is a significant example: by analysing flood dynamics and mitigation measures, it provides essential forecasts to increase territorial resilience under climate change. The EMERGE project, by quantifying the impact of emissions and discharges associated with maritime transport and assessing ecotoxicological risks, reinforces the need to understand less visible but critical pressures on marine ecosystems.
Alexandra Monteiro, CESAM/DAO researcher and Coordinator of Cluster 3, states: “National Sea Day reminds us of the vital importance of the oceans for planetary balance and human well-being. In the context of this cluster on Oceanic and Atmospheric Modelling, this day highlights the need to understand and protect marine systems in a changing world. Celebrating the sea also means recognising the role of science in building a more sustainable and resilient future.”
Cluster 6 – Circular Economy, Resource Optimisation and Energy – highlights the blue bioeconomy and the circular economy as key pillars for a more efficient and responsible management of Ocean resources. Through the development of innovative bioprocesses and sustainable valorisation pathways, the cluster responds to the need to transform waste into resources and reduce dependence on conventional raw materials. Projects such as BIOPLASTAR, which develops biological solutions for recycling marine plastics, and Omics4Algae, which enhances the conversion of macroalgae into high-value products, illustrate the cluster’s contribution to a more efficient, regenerative blue economy aligned with European and national priorities.
Helena Vieira, CESAM/DAO researcher and Deputy Coordinator of Cluster 6, notes: “National Sea Day reminds us that the ocean is far more than a geographic space: it is a source of life, resources and essential knowledge for a sustainable transition. In the context of this cluster’s themes, this day highlights the urgency of promoting the blue bioeconomy, circular economy and intelligent valorisation of marine resources, reducing human pressures and transforming waste into opportunity. Celebrating the sea therefore means reaffirming a scientific commitment to developing solutions that regenerate ecosystems, strengthen coastal and maritime communities and drive responsible innovation, ensuring that the ocean remains a driver of environmental resilience and socio-economic progress for all.”
Taken together, these contributions illustrate CESAM’s central role in understanding the Ocean and developing solutions to environmental, societal and economic challenges. On National Sea Day, the message is clear: celebrating the sea is renewing a commitment to knowledge, ecosystem protection and a sustainable future that ensures the Ocean remains a living heritage for generations to come. “National Sea Day reminds us of the vital importance of the oceans for planetary balance and for the well-being of populations. By researching the Ocean, we generate knowledge that helps us understand and better manage most of our territory, as Portugal is essentially sea; it is Ocean,” concludes Amadeu Soares.