Scientific news

The research project called Biosensomics, presented by Silvia G. Acinas, leader of the Ecology and Genomics of Marine Microorganisms research group at the ICM, has received one of the BBVA Foundation Grants for Researchers and Cultural Creators 2015 to study the pollution of ocean waters. For this research, scientists will use deep-water samples of the Malaspina Expedition, collected in 2010 and 2011 from the oceans around the planet.

The third edition of the Ramon Margalef Summer Colloquia is starting today at the facilities of the Institute of Marine Sciences, and it will last until the Friday 10th of July.

Abstract: Consistent evidence for a poorly ventilated deep Pacific Ocean that could have released its radiocarbon-depleted carbon stock to the atmosphere during the last deglaciation has long been sought. Such evidence remains lacking, in part due to a paucity of surface reservoir age reconstructions required for accurate deep-ocean ventilation age estimates.

Abstract: The integration of ecological and evolutionary data is highly valuable for conservation planning. However, it has been rarely used in the marine realm, where the adequate design of marine protected areas (MPAs) is urgently needed. We examined the interacting processes underlying the patterns of genetic structure and demographic strucuture of a highly vulnerable Mediterranean habitat-forming species (i.e. Paramuricea clavata (Risso, 1826)), with particular emphasis on the processes of contemporary dispersal, genetic drift, and colonization of a new population.

With the title of Citizen Science or How kayakers can contribute to scientific research past 30 and 31of May took place in Llançà (Spain) the IV Kayaking and Environment Workshop 2015, organized by the Pagaia Kayak Club. At the event participate scientists form ICM, to explain some of the activities and Citizen Science projects being developed at the center.

The Department of Physical and Technological Oceanography of ICM has delivered to the Institut Cartogràfic i Geològic de Catalunya (Cartographic and Geological Institute of Catalonia, ICGC) six boxes with airborne photographic documentation (negatives, photo prints, slides, printer sheets) of the Catalan coast obtained during projects lead by Dr. Antoni Ballester in the late 1970’s. The Cartographic and Geological Institute of Catalonia will offer conservation, cataloging and public access to this information.