Strain Collection
Provision of strains of various species of macroalgae and associated bacteria for diverse purposes.
Macroalgae and Microbiome Sampling, Identification and Strain Isolation
The biobank can sample macroalgal specimens, their microbiome, provide taxonomic identification through morphology and DNA barcoding, and isolate for diverse end users (e.g., research, aquaculture industry, and society). The strains can be maintained and grown in the biobank.
Macroalgae DNA and RNA
The biobank can also extract DNA and RNA from macroalgae species or provide the DNA already existing/stored in our infrastructures.
Macroalgae and Microbiome for Restoration and Aquaculture
The biobank can cultivate macroalgal strains from different Portuguese populations and deliver juvenile starting material of different sizes (up to ~30cm) grown free floating, on seeding twine or natural substrates ready for the direct seeding process or habitat restoration actions. Juvenile macroalgae can be grown on the Ramalhete marine station of CCMAR in outdoor conditions. Additionally, we collaborate with a fish farm where we rapidly grow macroalgae recruits through Integrated Multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA). The biobank also performs transplants in collaboration with the CCMAR scientific diving center.
Education
The biobank is also highly committed to education through the supervision of students, provision of advanced training courses on culture techniques, and supporting schools to disseminate to undergraduate students the importance of ocean sustainability, marine biodiversity, and germplasm conservation.
Consulting
We provide consulting services by delivering advice and support related to macroalgae cultivation (e.g., optimization of reproduction and seeding methods), biobank establishment, and habitat restoration (e.g., which species to reintroduce and/or location). Our expertise helps aquaculture companies to optimize seaweed production.
