On 13 March 2026, a group of researchers from CCMAR visited the University of Aveiro to take part in the Fórum de Investigação no Oceano (FIO) - Ocean Research Forum. The meeting brought together representatives from the country’s leading marine research centres to discuss strategic priorities for "Portuguese Marine Science in the Coming Decade".
The event brought together researchers, policy-makers and scientific institutions to reflect on the challenges and opportunities facing marine research in Portugal, including topics such as ocean observation, climate change, biodiversity conservation, aquaculture, biotechnology and ocean governance. Researcher Rute Martins was part of the panel dedicated to “Education and Training”, where she presented perspectives on the challenges of training new marine science specialists and the importance of strengthening the scientific and technical skills needed to meet the emerging needs of the blue economy and the sustainable management of the oceans.
The event was also attended by Adelino Canário, chair of the CCMAR board, who took part in the discussion sessions and presented the forum’s general conclusions, summarising the main contributions from the various institutions represented.
CCMAR was represented by several researchers throughout the meeting. Caio Ribeiro and Marta Rafael took part in the proceedings as members of the audience, contributing to the scientific discussion between the various research centres in attendance.
Setting priorities for the coming decade
The Ocean Research Forum aimed to identify strategic priorities and structural needs for marine research in Portugal, including funding, scientific infrastructure, access to data and cooperation between institutions. The discussions will contribute to the drafting of a strategic document intended to guide public policies and scientific programmes relating to the ocean.
In his speech, Adelino Canário lamented the current state of institutions, stating: “we do not collaborate enough”, according to the Diário de Aveiro. The CCMAR representative added to the Jornal de Notícias that the way to increase resources and such collaborations is through: “Access to whatever we have, be it data or equipment, must be made available to the community”.
The initiative brought together representatives from centres such as the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA), CESAM – Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, CIIMAR – Interdisciplinary Centre for Marine and Environmental Research, MARE – Centre for Marine and Environmental Sciences, and OKEANOS – Institute for Marine Science Research, strengthening the dialogue between scientific institutions and policy-makers.
The session was attended by Salvador Malheiro, Secretary of State for Fisheries and the Sea, who spoke to the researchers about the need to forge new paths to capitalise on the blue economy in a sustainable manner. Finally, at the closing session, the Secretary of State for Science and Innovation, Helena Canhão, emphasised the importance of strengthening support for scientific research and promoting greater coordination between science, public policy and society to address the challenges facing the ocean in the coming decades.
