For their scarcity, invasive species in early invasion stages and endangered species are often difficult to detect compromising both conservation and ecosystem protection. Here environmental DNA (eDNA) was compared with beach seining for monitoring fish diversity in the protected Natural Park Ria Formosa lagoon (Portugal). Surface water for eDNA extraction was collected before sampling a mean of 1400m2 from ten...
Marine Protected Areas are increasingly used as tools to preserve marine habitats and biodiversity worldwide. Nonetheless, creating MPAs in densely populated multi-use coastal areas comes with intrinsic conflict potential, since protection and economic development are not always hand-in-hand and local users might disagree with the designation of such conservation tools. The use of inclusive and transparent part...
In January 2024, the "Natural Marine Park of the Algarve Reef – Pedra do Valado" (NMPAR-PV; southern Portugal), a community-based Marine Protected Area (MPA) was formally classified, setting the scene for a new paradigm for co-creating Portuguese MPAs. While complying with the best practices for MPA establishment, this area also contributes to national and international conservation targets. Measuring the succe...
The common dolphin, Delphinus delphis, is the most abundant cetacean species along the western Iberian Peninsula and faces many anthropogenic threats, with bycatch being the most impactful. Its preferred prey, sardine (Sardina pilchardus), has shown fluctuating abundance over the past decade, potentially influencing dolphin distribution. This study provides the first insights into common dolphin distribution al...
In southern Iberia (NE Atlantic), cetacean bycatch is reported in several fisheries, whereas depredation by bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) is commonly observed in bottom set-net fisheries. This study tested the effectiveness of acoustic deterrent devices in discouraging small cetaceans from approaching bottom set-nets and purse seine to reduce interactions. The acoustic deterrent devices used in the st...
Marine Protected Areas are increasingly used as tools to preserve marine habitats and biodiversity worldwide. Nonetheless, creating MPAs in densely populated multi-use coastal areas comes with intrinsic conflict potential, since protection and economic development are not always hand-in-hand and local users might disagree with the designation of such conservation tools. The use of inclusive and transparent part...
In January 2024, the "Natural Marine Park of the Algarve Reef - Pedra do Valado" (NMPAR-PV; southern Portugal), a community-based Marine Protected Area (MPA) was formally classified, setting the scene for a new paradigm for co-creating Portuguese MPAs. While complying with the best practices for MPA establishment, this area also contributes to national and international conservation targets. Measuring the succe...
Air pollutants, like benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX), pose significant health and environmental risks being associated with 6.7 million premature deaths annually. Despite plants natural air purification capabilities in green infrastructures, high pollution levels in cities can hinder urban greening when tolerance levels are exceeded. Therefore, this study aimed to develop plant-beneficial microbial consortia...
The prevalence of mental disorders in adolescents has a considerable impact on daily life, restricting tasks and diminishing overall quality of life while potentially leading to stigmatization. This study aims to measure the impact of a mental health literacy intervention program, called “Bicho de 7 Cabeças” project, in b-learning format, on the increase of knowledge and the decrease of stigma in young people f...
A utilização de substâncias psicadélicas ou psicoativas para tratar doenças mentais, como a Perturbação Obsessivo-Compulsiva (POC), é cada vez mais procurada. Há relatos de que opções alternativas de tratamento têm sido usadas para reduzir a sintomatologia, embora a investigação realizada seja escassa e dispersa, sendo necessário o mapeamento e identificação dos estudos realizados.