Investigate the physiological challenges
faced by migratory fishes (Anguilla anguilla,
Platichthys flesus, Petromyzon marinus,
Scyliorhinus cannicula, Pagellus bogaraveo),
focusing on the abiotic factors of salinity
and hydrostatic pressure. The species that
are investigated are of commercial and/or
biological significance.
Determine migratory patterns of fishes (A.anguilla,
Conger conger, P. flesus) at different
life history stages using otolith
fingerprinting and complementary
techniques. Establishing techniques and
continuing monitoring of European eel
(A. anguilla) recruitment levels.
Defining the mechanisms for dealing with
physiological constraints and challenges of
ammonotelism in fishes. Ammonia can be
highly toxic to animals yet is a natural
byproduct of metabolism.
Elucidate the mechanism of shell
calcification in freshwater bivalves (Anodonta
cygnea). In addition, the definition of
culture conditions for freshwater bivalves
(A. cygnea, Hyriopsis myersiana).
Technological advances to aid in biological
discovers and monitoring of the environment.
Specifically the development of methods for
the non-invasive monitoring of physiological
parameters and the development of hyperbaric
systems for the maintenance of fish and
other aquatic organisms for investigating
hydrostatic pressure effects on physiology.
Main
Achievements:
Development of a hyperbaric system for
maintaining aquatic organisms (marine or
fresh water) for prolonged periods at
constant or fluctuating levels of
hydrostatic pressure (up to 8 MPa). This
system has been used to successfully study
the effects of diurnal changes in
hydrostatic pressure on gonadal development
in flounder on their spawning migration. In
addition technological advances have also
been made in the area of bio and
environmental monitoring.
Elucidation of the early life cycle of
conger eels (Conger conger and Conger
oceanicus) using otolith microstructure
and elemental and isotopic analyses of
microchemistry. Establishing techniques
and continuing monitoring of European
eel (A. anguilla) recruitment levels.
Identification of ammocoete metamorphosis as
the critical time in the acquisition of
marine ionoregulatory competence in the
anadromous marine lamprey (Petromyzon
marinus).
Finding that catadromous juvenile estuarine
glass eel (Anguilla anguilla) do not require
changes in branchial ion transport proteins
to cope with direct transfer to freshwater.
Change in expression levels of these
proteins require long term acclimation.
Identify and characterize the principal
biomineralization events on freshwater
bivalve Anodonta cygnea. This includes the
identification and characterization of
mantle cell proteins involved in
intercellular calcium binding and transport,
extrapalial fluid macromolecules involved in
the shell calcification mechanisms and the
identification of the physical site (tissue)
associated with the active calcium uptake
from the environment.
Improvement of freshwater bivalve larval
glochidia culture and juvenile production.
Freshwater pearl mussel Hyriopsis myersiana
and Anodonta cygnea for culture and
conservation purposes.
Inclusion in EU level networks and
participation in other national and
international collaborative projects.
Dissemination of results generated by the
group. Over the period 2003-2007 we
collectively have 70 international peer
reviewed publications in addition to three
book chapters. We also have in excess of 100
conference presentations. Group members are
also actively involved in education of the
public.
Research training at the undergraduate and
graduate levels (12MSc, 9 PhD completed).
Funding:
During the period
2003-2008, the Ecophysiology group has obtained
funding through competitive research grants at both
national (FCT) and European levels as well as basic
funding through the FCT pluriannual program.
Post doctoral and
PhD students are supported by national (FCT)
scholarships. Collectively the group has led nine
FCT projects within the PTDC, POCI and POCTI
programs totaling over 653.000,00 € and group
members have participated in another four FCT
projects worth over 253.000 €.
Members of the
group have participate in international
collaborations on projects funded by the European
Commission (INTERREG, EROCIPS AMPERA/016165) and
European Space Agency (STRAPLEX), Biotechnology and
Biological Sciences Research Council (UK), Natural
Science and Engineering Research Council (Canada)
and European bilateral exchange programs with
Germany and Spain (GRICES/DAAD and CRUP) involving
over 12.2 M €.
