The Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon (Ciências ULisboa) and Zoomarine signed a cooperation protocol that establishes a strategic framework for scientific and technical collaboration dedicated to the ex situ conservation of river organisms, with a special focus on freshwater species endemic to Portugal.
According to the entities involved, “the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon (Ciências ULisboa) and Zoomarine have just signed a cooperation protocol that establishes a strategic framework for scientific and technical collaboration for the ex situ conservation of river organisms, with a special focus on endemic Portuguese freshwater species.”
The agreement reinforces a partnership that combines scientific research, specialized infrastructure and applied conservation actions.
Scientific cooperation for the conservation of river species
According to the institutions, “the protocol consolidates a partnership that articulates scientific research, specialized technical infrastructures and applied conservation actions.”
The scientific component is ensured by Ciências ULisboa, through the work carried out at the Center for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Change (CE3C), namely in the identification and capture of reproductive animals, monitoring of habitats and preparation of future repopulation actions.
In turn, Zoomarine contributes with its technical experience, infrastructure and specialized teams dedicated to the conservation of aquatic biodiversity, factors considered essential for the development of ex situ reproduction and maintenance programs.
Escalo do Sado is the first target species of the protocol
The first species covered by this agreement is the Sado Scale (Squalius caetobrigus), an endemic fish recently described by the scientific community.
With very small populations and a distribution area limited to the Sado River basin, this species is particularly vulnerable to climate change and the increasing pressure on water resources, associated with the increase in agricultural and tourist activities.
After issuing the necessary licenses by the Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Forests (ICNF), 36 specimens were collected in their natural habitat, specifically in the Grândola stream, and were subsequently transferred to Zoomarine, where preparatory work is taking place for the reproduction program in a controlled environment.
An integrated conservation model
According to the entities involved, the protocol creates an integrated model that brings together scientific knowledge, genetic monitoring, assisted reproduction and environmental education, establishing the foundations for future population strengthening actions in natural ecosystems.
CE3C researcher and deputy director for Research and Innovation, Internationalization and External Relations at Sciences ULisboa, Cristina Máguas, considers that “the partnership reinforces the commitment of both institutions to the protection of Portuguese natural heritage and the conservation of threatened freshwater species, promoting the articulation between science, conservation and society’s involvement”.
João Neves, director of Science and Conservation at , also highlights the importance of the initiative: “The creation of this integrated model of reproduction and conservation is an important step towards protecting a particularly vulnerable species and strengthening the national response capacity in the area of river biodiversity. It is in this context that the partnership with takes on special relevance, bringing research and practical application closer together. This project also reflects, in a natural way, Zoomarine’s mission in nature conservation and promoting animal welfare.”
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