Overview

Institute of Marine Research (IMAR) is a private and non-profit organization, recognized as being of public utility. The founding members of IMAR are the majority of the Portuguese universities that undertake research in Marine Science and Technology. IMAR-UAc (the IMAR unit of the University of Azores) includes several researchers from the University of Azores (mostly belonging to the Department of Oceanography and Fisheries - DOP) and researchers employed by IMAR. IMAR offers TA services for ASSEMBLE Plus, for which CCMAR is the Portuguese partner.

This unit has a strong expertise on oceanic studies, with teams working on fisheries, aquaculture, oceanography, genetics, ecology, ecotoxicology, biotechnology and telemetry.  IMAR-UAc promotes R&D in marine sciences and technology, multidisciplinary marine research, education, and links with governmental and private organizations and with the society as a whole. Presently, IMAR-UAc is developing its research activities under 5 interconnected themes: Global Change, Blue Economy, Technology, Governance and Literacy.

Ecosystems

• Pelagic and mesopelagic realms
• Seamounts
• Hydrothermal vents
• Mid-ocean ridges
• Abyssal plains

Ecosystem access

• Coastal research vessels  (On-site service)
  • Access to Azores, Coastal Ecosystems, Intertidal, Subtidal, Hydrothermal vent, Seamount, Oceanic Ecosystems
  • RV Águas Vivas
  • Inflatable boats (RHIBs)
• Submersibles  (On-site service)
  • ROV SP (300m) and Lander, operated from IMAR's RVs by allocated technical personnel
• Scuba diving facilities  (On-site service)
  • Access to Azores, Coastal Ecosystems, Intertidal, Subtidal, Hydrothermal vent, Seamount, Oceanic Ecosystems
  • Diving equipment is available, users are encouraged to bring their own basic equipment
• Sampling equipment  (On-site service)
  • In-situ laboratories (located at Condor sea-mount and shallow water hydrothermal vent field)

Experimental facilities

• Wet labs  (On-site service)
  • Two general wet labs for biological sampling, and a controlled temperature chamber for running experiments
• Dry labs  (On-site service)
  • Oceanography lab
  • Histology and sclerochronologyry lab
  • Optical microscopy lab
  • Analytical instruments lab
  • Ecotoxicology and analytical chemistry lab 
  • Genetics and molecular biology lab 

Other

The integration of users in the infrastructure will be supported through IMAR-UAc secretariat office. Logistical, technical and scientific advice may be offered, according to the objectives of the individual researchers or teams on similar terms with the resident researchers.