Rui Rocha, researcher at the Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) and Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Aveiro, was this week’s special guest on ScienceCast, a podcast produced by Playsolutions Audiovisual dedicated to science communication, with CESAM as an institutional partner.
In this episode, Rui Rocha discussed his journey in the field of sustainable aquaculture, with a particular focus on the farming of low-trophic-level species, such as bivalves and corals. His research aims to develop environmentally responsible production methods, with practical applications both in industrial settings and in coastal communities in developing countries.
One of the highlights of the conversation was his work in Mozambique and Angola, where he leads and collaborates on community-based aquaculture projects with strong social and environmental impact. These initiatives promote the use of handmade diets developed from local agricultural by-products, providing low-cost solutions tailored to the socio-economic realities of the communities. Rocha also emphasized the importance of actively involving women and youth in production chains, contributing to the economic resilience and food security of coastal regions.
In Mozambique, particularly in the province of Cabo Delgado, Rui Rocha has been working with local communities on bivalve mollusk farming, while assessing both the ecological impacts and the economic viability of small-scale production. In Angola, he has advocated for the great potential of the Namibe region for aquaculture development, with a special focus on oyster farming.
In addition to his applied research, Rui Rocha is also co-author of the book “Introdução à Aquacultura” (Introduction to Aquaculture, 2021), a pioneering work that compiles the current state of global aquaculture and offers a comprehensive perspective for students, technicians, and entrepreneurs across Portuguese-speaking countries.
ScienceCast has been featuring scientists who, like Rui Rocha, combine academic rigor with social and environmental engagement, all in a language accessible to the general public. Hosted by Vasco Trigo, ScienceCast’s mission is to bring science closer to citizens.
The episode is available on the main streaming platforms and on the “Science Cast” social media channels, offering the public an accessible and engaging way to discover the science being developed in Portugal.
Watch the full interview here: Science Cast – Rui Rocha