Occurrence, abundance, distribution and monitoring

 

Objectives: Determine the spatial and temporal distribution of A. armada and A. taxiformis in Azores and delineate Asparagopsis cryptic lineages

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Tasks:

Spatial and temporal distribution

Genetic and morphological identification of Azorean populations of Asparagopsis spp.

Ecosystem services and impacts of A. armata in coastal communities

 

Objectives: Determine the impact of A. armata on Azorean shores. Evaluate changes in the structure and functioning of benthic assemblages. Evaluate changes in A. armata polar constituents’ profile

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Taks:

Effects of A. armata on local biodiversity and structure and functioning of macroalgal assemblages

Grazing preferences on A. armata and native macroalgae

Impact of A. armata under future climate change scenarios 

 

Objectives: Gather information to predict the factors affecting A. armata distribution under future climate change scenarios 

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Tasks:

Functional and physiological changes under different abiotic conditions

Modelling A. armata distribution in the Azores

A. armata exploitation: from harvest to market 

 

Objectives: Define valorisation strategies for A. armata in the Azores looking at the whole value chain: biomass availability, product quality, market values and logistical approaches. Produce best practice guidelines for harvesting A. armata: collection methods, maximal landings per season and area 

 

Tasks:

Processing methodologies

Harvest guidelines

Market value and impact on coastal population