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It's been twenty years since EXPO 98 opened its doors and caught the world's attention to Portugal and the Ocean. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of this important world exhibit, CCMAR participated in "O MAR DE ALTO ABAIXO", an event organized by Ciência Viva, which took place in the Pavilion of Knowledge and was attended by the Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education Manuel Heitor. In this showcase of Portuguese marine science, CCMAR developed three activities: " Tasting menu for the brave", "Conservation in Action in the Arrábida Marine Park" and "Ocean acidification".
With the "Tasting menu for the brave", CCMAR demonstrated how it works towards the valorization of marine products. Children and adults tasted several varieties of halophyte plants that resulted from a collaboration with the company Agro-on and chef Leonel Pereira (restaurant São Gabriel) for the XtremeGourmet project. Luisa Barreira and Viana Castañeda organized an organoleptic test, where the participants evaluated the different varieties of these delicious plants. Later, Chef Leonel Pereira presented a small tasting menu to the Minister and his entourage, who were delighted with his Sorbet of Halophyte Plants and Microalgae Soufflé. The potential of the halophyte plants and microalgae for human consumption, especially for gourmet cuisine, gave the motto for a lively conversation with the Minister's entourage.
In the activity "Conservation in action in the Arrábida Marine Park", Márcio Coelho had several assistants for his gorgonia transplants, from healthy populations to impacted populations. This activity demonstrates the efforts towards marine forest recovery that CCMAR has been developing in the Arrábida Marine Park.
With a simple experience, Peter Hubbard demonstrated how climate change causes ocean acidification, and how changes in water acidity can impact marine animals. Participants learned more about the carbon cycle and how CCMAR studies the effects of ocean acidification on fish communication.