In partnership with CIBIO-Açores and Futurismo Azores Adventures | September 2025
This mission was part of ongoing efforts to deepen knowledge on marine connectivity in Macaronesia through targeted fieldwork and data collection. The expedition focused on three core activities:
- Physico-chemical water sampling
- Zooplankton collection
- Drifter releases
These activities aim to generate high-resolution environmental and biological datasets that are critical for supporting the Connectivity Working Group’s broader research objectives.
Data Collection Highlights
(Ref. CCIR-RAA/2025/4S)
- Physico-Chemical Sampling
Water samples were collected across multiple stations in the southern coast of São Miguel to assess key parameters such as temperature, salinity, pH, oxygen levels, and nutrient concentrations. This information provides insight into the physical and chemical characteristics of local marine environments, helping to identify habitat preferences and potential barriers or corridors for species movement.
- Zooplankton Sampling
Zooplankton plays a crucial role in oceanic food webs and act as indicators of water mass origin and ecosystem health. By analysing zooplankton diversity and abundance, the team can track larval dispersal patterns and assess how ocean currents influence biological connectivity between island and mainland populations. Plastic sampling will also be analysed.
- Drifter Deployments
Ocean drifters were deployed to simulate the movement of passive particles (like larvae or microplastics) across the region. The resulting trajectory data will inform ocean circulation models and help predict connectivity pathways among marine protected areas (MPAs) and between coastal and offshore habitats. The drifters are labeled with contact information so they can be returned if they wash ashore and are found by members of the community.
Supporting Connectivity Research
The data collected during this mission will directly contribute to WG Connectivity’s objectives by:
- Enhancing biophysical models that simulate larval dispersal and ocean current dynamics
- Improving ecological connectivity assessments between Macaronesia
- Supporting conservation planning by identifying key corridors and isolated zones for marine biodiversity
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Acknowledgements
This field mission was successfully carried out thanks to the collaboration of CIBIO – Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources and Prof. Ana Cristina Costa (University of the Azores), for providing essential equipment and materials for the sampling activities; and to Futurismo Azores Adventures, whose local knowledge and logistical support were key to accessing the sampling areas around São Miguel.
We are planning a full year of sampling campaigns, continuing through September 2026.
Stay tuned for updates as the data is processed and integrated into reports and publications that will support connectivity-based conservation strategies across the Macaronesia region.
For more information about the WG Connectivity project or to access preliminary results, please contact debora.gutierrez@uac.pt
