Island Aquatic Ecology

ASPAZOR - Ecosystem impacts and socioeconomic benefits of Asparagopsis armata in the Azores

• WEBPAGE
• PO Azores Project
• Regional Research Project
• 2016 to 2020

Summary:

The present project aims to understand the effects of the NIS A. armata on the Azorean littoral communities, and predict how the species abundance will influence the islands’ coastal biodiversity under future climate change scenarios. In addition, this project evaluates Asparagopsis potential as an alternative resource for commercial exploitation. A major outcome will be to provide advice towards the establishment of innovative and profitable investments in sectors with economic and societal benefits to the Azorean population, while mitigating the species negative impact in coastal communities.

Articles in SCI Journals already published within this project:

Ponte, J.M.S., Seca, A.M.L. & Barreto, M.C. (2022) Asparagopsis genus: what we really know about Its biological activities and chemical composition. Molecules, 27(6), 1787. DOI:10.3390/molecules27061787 (IF2020 4,411; Q2 Qhemistry, Multidisciplinary)

Casas, E., Fernandez, M., Gil, A., Yesson, Chris., Prestes, A., Moreu-Badia. I., Neto, A.I. & Arbelo, M. (2021) Macroalgae niche modelling: a two-step approach using remote sensing and in situ observations of a native and an invasive Asparagopsis. Biological Invasions, 23, 3215-3230. DOI:10.1007/s10530-021-02554-z (IF2020 3,087; Q1 Biodiversity Conservation)

Martins, G.M., Cacabelos, E., Faria, J., Álvaro, N.M., Prestes, A.C.L. & Neto, A.I. (2019) Patterns of distribution of the invasive alga Asparagopsis armata Harvey: a multi-scaled approach. Aquatic Invasions, 14(4), 582-593. DOI:10.3391/ai.2019.14.4.02 (IF2018 1,705; Q2 Marine & Freshwater Biology)

Kellaris, A., Gil, A., Faria, J., Amaral, R., Moreu, I., Neto, A.I. & Yesson, C. (2019) Using low‐cost drones to monitor heterogeneous submerged seaweed habitats: A case study in the Azores. Aquatic Conservation-Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 29, 1909-1922. DOI:10.1002/aqc.3189 (IF2018 2,935; Q1 Marine & Freshwater Biology)

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Funding Institution:

European Regional Development Fund, Regional Fund for Science and Technology of the Azorean Government.

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Partners:

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