Marine Ecology & Resources

Knowing and conserving marine biodiversity is the first step in this process. In addition to general marine biodiversity conservation, ERM has an interest in marine holobionts, inextricably linked species whose study, using an interactomics/diseasomics approach, can lead to more secure and safe marine resources.

Following a transversal ecosystem approach, the group can better understand and predict the evolution and improve prospects for key fish populations and aquaculture exploitations. By studying how animals behave, eat and relate to each other and to their natural environment allows for a better understanding on how to treat them both, in-water and in captivity. For instance, the study of cephallopods and the relationship of their larvae with oceanographic currents has allowed the groups to create important industrial collaborations, implementing measures for a better management of these iconic Galician fisheries and opening the door to octopus aquaculture exploitation. In addition, the group studies fish population dynamics, reproductive success and relations with other links in the trophic chain, such as the emblematic marine mammals. They do so both in deep sea industrial fishing areas like the Flemish Cap (since 1988) and in important coastal fisheries with usually poorly studied populations that are key for the local economy.The deep knowledge acquired from the study of ecology allows even for an improvement in human health and food security. Parasites, such as Anisakis spp., also have their own diversity and ecological cycles, their own way of interacting with the environment. The group has been studying the different species for over 2 decades, creating one of the first Anisakis Biobank Units, setting the bases for future comparative studies and an improved consumer health. Focusing on aquaculture, a traditional and essential sector in Galicia, the group takes multiple approaches from an ecological perspective.

ERM focuses on the ecological factors that play a role within aquaculture facilities, both in land-based and submerged systems. It also works on an innovative approach to aquaculture in Europe known as Integrated MultiTrophic Aquaculture (IMTA), where several species are grown together in the same culture. This allows the culture to take advantage of the trophic chain that links the community together, creating better and more sustainable conditions.

In addition, the ERM combines fisheries and oceanographic surveys with high-resolution and high-throughput analytic technologies with the potential to enable new methods and technologies for the management of so-called ecosystem services, which are the benefits that ocean ecosystems provide us with. These obviously include fish, seafood and minerals, but also tourism, culture and mental wellbeing.

The group recently kick-started a new line focused on the economic valuation of these services, that is, understanding and quantifying their environmental, economic, sociological and cultural value. This enables better managing and conservation capabilities, as well as improved, more democratic governability.

It’s not only the ecosystem that is important, but also the socioecological system: the deep and inevitable connections it has with society.