Marine Stations
The Estação do Ramalhete - Ria Formosa is an infrastructure of the University of Algarve managed by the Center for Marine Sciences of the Algarve (CCMAR) since 1994. This very versatile marine station has tanks and aquariums for the maintenance of living organisms, from batteries of small tanks to large outdoor mesocosms. It mainly hosts research projects related to marine organisms in its geographical area.
With easy access to the unique and extensive system of lagoons and marshes of Ria Formosa and coastal areas that facilitate in situ studies, the Marmalima do Ramalhete Station is located in the heart of the Ria, next to one of its main channels, combining perfection the proximity of the Gambelas Campus with privileged access to this ecosystem and exceptional conditions for the cultivation of aquatic organisms.
This Station, through CCMAR, is part of the Association of European Marine Biological Laboratories (ASSEMBLE), a partnership that has facilitated the European scientific community to access its facilities and services.
CCMAR serves as an infrastructure for students and scientists from universities and institutes across Europe and integrates some European initiatives providing user access to special facilities and biological models, through pan-European structures, such as EMBRC.
Services offered
- Circuit with tanks adapted to the cultivation of larvae of marine fish
- Production capacity of microalgae for feeding larvae of fish and invertebrates
- Mesocosms for investigating the effects of ocean acidification
- Image capture systems for behavioral studies
Installations
Rooms and laboratories
- Wi-Fi throughout the building (eU)
1 Theoretical classroom (capacity 18 pax.)
1 General purpose dry laboratory (45m2)
1 Wet laboratory for biological sampling (16m2)
6 Small wet laboratories (16m2)
1 Room for large tanks (120m2)
The Castro Marim Marine Station is located within the Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo António Marshland Nature Reserve (RNSCMVRSA).
Through a partnership agreement with the ICNF, the traditional Francisco Taborda saltworks was transferred to UAlg for rehabilitation and implementation of a living laboratory, to be used for research and nature conservation projects, practical classes for various study cycles, Master's and Doctoral theses, and environmental education activities for schools in the region.
Also under the aforementioned agreement with the ICNF, it was also possible to set up a laboratory at the Reserve's headquarters (at the Information and Interpretation Center, located in Sapal de Venta Moinhos). This laboratory is equipped with microscopy instruments, where classes and training and awareness-raising activities can also be held. It is also equipped with instruments for nutrient analysis, multiparametric probes, and other equipment for field work.
This Marine Station was developed as part of the FOSTEAM@SOUTH project.
As such, we have a laboratory, a support room, and the Francisco Taborda saltworks.
Facilities
Classrooms and laboratories
- 1 laboratory equipped with microscopy instruments and instruments for nutrient analysis, multiparameter probes, and other equipment for fieldwork.
- 1 Auxiliary Room
- Francisco Taborda Salt Pan
Located at Porto da Baleeira in Sagres, the Sagres Marine Station is a support unit for teaching, research, and outreach, created under the PRR Impulses FOSTEAM@South project and functionally dependent on the Directorate of the Faculty of Science and Technology of the University of Algarve.
The Station is equipped with specific resources for teaching and research, fostering innovation through in situ teaching methodologies such as “project-based learning” and “practical-based learning.”
Available Services
- Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis of Plankton
- Monitoring of Physicochemical Parameters
- Monitoring of Biological Parameters
- Conducting Courses or Workshops
Facilities
Classrooms and laboratories
- Multiparameter Probe Open-Space Classroom-Laboratory (5 magnifying lenses and 5 microscopes; Plankton Net; Greenhouse)
The University of Algarve has a vessel with a capacity for 20 people, which enables hands-on teaching and real-world learning experiences for undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students in marine-related fields.
The construction of the vessel, carried out by NAUTIBER – Estaleiros Navais do Guadiana Lda, had a total cost of around €120,000, fully funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan – PRR 2021/2026, through the FOSTEAM@SOUTH project.
The Mar UAlg vessel is an educational resource that also serves as a research platform, playing a key role by providing direct access to different ecosystems, from estuarine environments to more exposed coastal areas. This makes it a valuable asset for various disciplines related to oceanography, marine ecology, and biodiversity.
Ramalhete Center - University of Algarve
Edf.7, 8005-139 Faro
Phone: +351 289 800 900 /ext (2)202800, (2)202801
Phone: +351 289 800 051 (CCMAR)
Email: ramalhete@ualg.pt
