Why did you choose the service/institution you chose?

There were a couple of reasons why we chose to apply for this work at the University of the Algarve campus in Gambelas. This is where the Centro de Ciências do Mar do Algarve (CCMAR, Algarve) is located:

(a)   we laid the groundwork for the current project a year ago at CCMAR with a smaller, one month project, funded by AQUAEXCEL.

(b)   We felt that the facilities for keeping mussels in running seawater and with day/night cycles at the CCMAR aquaria are quite superior, and we also needed access to biochemical, histological and molecular biology platforms which are well maintained. These can be provided by CCMAR.

(c)   Our previous work resulted in a good working relationship with the local collaborators and it would be excellent to conclude the Transnational Access stints at CCMAR with a few joint publications.

How did this access experience support your research?

We found the research platforms, including instrumentation and facilities, as well as research assistant support by personnel, very helpful to fulfil our research goals.

CCMAR has good aquaria facilities; previous work was done here on the Mediterranean Mytilus galloprovincialis; the expertise of collaborative scientists is available; biochemical and histological platforms and support are present.

The only problem (at times) was the communication barrier when English was not the channel of communication, in person as well as with computer software required to run special research instruments and printers. This resulted in a dependency on the local staff or students for assistance as interpreter or translator.

How does your project benefit society, industry, or policy?

M. galloprovincialis is the second most cultivated mussel species world-wide for human consumption. Our research should contribute to a better understanding of the regulation of reproduction and may eventually lead to guidelines for aquaculture farmers how to maintain a healthier and fast reproducing mussel stock.

How did this experience mark your scientific career?

Every scientific challenge that is attempted to be solved in cooperation with other scientists is a good experience in one’s scientific career. Since we are both seasoned scientists who have reached a very good standing in our respective careers before our visit to CCMAR, we do not envisage further career track changes. Through our project, however, we have influenced our host research team, especially to train young postgraduate students towards higher degrees.

Please share some words of encouragement to future users.

The CCMAR facility has a lot to offer for people who want to work with live marine systems. If there is a biochemical, endocrinological, physiological component in the research project, there are capable scientists and support staff at CCMAR; many (if not all) of the major and necessary instruments are available. In most cases, one can get by without having full knowledge of the Portuguese language and will always be assisted, despite not having command over the local language.

On top of that, the lovely atmosphere in and around Faro and the Algarve is surely also a point to consider when wanting to do research on a marine organism.