DEEPbaseline is an interdisciplinary project aimed at co-developing a knowledge baseline on the diversity and distribution of deep-sea sponge and coral species and habitats of the continental shelf and upper slope of mainland Portugal. DEEPbaseline brings together scientists from four partner institutions (CIIMAR, IPMA, UA, and Okeanos), local fishing communities and associations, fisheries managers, and the wider society to improve knowledge, foster awareness and advance conservation actions towards their
Sponges and corals form a variety of highly-structured habitats, known as sponge/coral gardens, aggregations and reefs. They are particularly prevalent in the deeper areas of the continental shelves and slopes, and play key roles in ecosystem function, from recycling of major nutrients to provision of habitat, nursery and feeding grounds for many other invertebrate and fish species. Their vulnerability to the impacts of anthropogenic activities (e.g. fisheries, oil gas exploitation, climate change) is incre
The DEEPbaseline is an awardee of the “Ocean Conservation Fund” , promoted by the Oceanário de Lisboa and the Oceano Azul Foundation, that aims to support unprecedented projects that contribute decisively to the conservation of endangered species and marine biodiversity in general. The FUND promotes funding and support for scientific knowledge, creates awareness for the importance of ocean balance, and shares the vision that ocean conservation is urgent and is everyone’s responsibility. Since 2017, this pri