On the morning of 18 March 2026, the Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR) welcomed the Secretary of State for Fisheries and the Sea, Salvador Malheiro, alongside Charlina Vitcheva, as part of an official visit to Portugal.
The visit provided an opportunity for direct engagement with the scientific work developed in the Algarve, reinforcing CCMAR’s position as a leading European research centre and a key interface between science, policy and society.
Throughout the morning, several strategic research areas were presented. Among them, the potential of microalgae stood out, including their applications across sectors, the associated regulatory framework, and opportunities for economic valorisation. The delegation also explored CCMAR’s work in fisheries, particularly its role in supporting the management of marine protected areas and its close collaboration with fishing communities.
Another key moment of the visit was the presentation of CCMAR’s Biobank and associated scientific services, which support both marine ecosystem conservation and the development of solutions with industrial applications.
Beyond the formal programme, the visit was marked by a spirit of curiosity and open dialogue. In one such moment, Charlina Vitcheva posed an unexpected question to researchers — “Which is more intelligent: the octopus or the dolphin?” — sparking a brief but lively exchange. A reminder that science often begins with simple questions that can lead to deeper understanding.
More than a formal visit, the meeting underscored the importance of bridging scientific knowledge and policymaking at a time when ocean challenges demand informed, integrated and sustainable responses.
