CIBIO-Azores researchers take part in the CLIRAQUA annual meeting

Researchers from the University of the Azores (CIBIO-Azores), Pedro Raposeiro and Gustavo Martins, took part in the CLIRAQUA project annual meeting, held on 15 and 16 October in Porto.

CLIRAQUA (Climate Resilience and Adaptation in Aquaculture) aims to develop innovative solutions and strategies for adapting to climate change, promoting the sustainability and resilience of aquaculture in the Atlantic area. The project is funded by the Interreg Atlantic Area programme and co-funded by the Regional Directorate for Science, Innovation and Development. It brings together partners from Spain, France, Ireland and Portugal, including the University of the Azores, through CIBIO-Azores.

At the meeting, the researchers presented the case of Fajã de Santo Cristo, on São Jorge Island, home to the only commercially exploited bivalve population in the Azores, the grooved carpet shell clam (Ruditapes decussatus). In collaboration with IPMA and CICA-UDC, a study is under way comparing this population with another from Ria Formosa, exposing them to different temperature and salinity scenarios. The aim is to identify tolerance limits and support conservation and management strategies.

This participation reinforces CIBIO-Azores’ commitment to applied research on the sustainability of marine resources and to scientific cooperation across the Atlantic area.