Science for ecosystem, wildlife and human health
Our projects contribute to ecosystem, wildlife and human health by generating scientific knowledge and supporting evidence-based environmental management through a One Health approach.
BIOACUMAR Project
BIOACUMAR assesses the presence of emerging contaminants, such as antibiotics and synthetic hormones, as well as antimicrobial resistance, in marine species and areas along the Asturian and Andalusian coasts. By generating scientific evidence on their occurrence, distribution and potential impacts, the project contributes to sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, food safety and ecosystem health through a One Health approach.
The project is developed with the collaboration of the Biodiversity Foundation (MITECO) through the Pleamar Programme and is co-financed by the European Union (EMFAF).
ORCAWA Project
ORCAWA develops a scientifically validated, minimally invasive tool to assess the health and welfare of killer whale populations, with particular attention to the Iberian subpopulation, classified as «Critically Endangered». Through the development and application of an analytical profile based on pathophysiological markers (hormonal, immunological and metabolic), the project establishes robust reference values and objective indicators to assess the health and welfare of these cetacean populations and contribute to the detection of potential impacts associated with anthropogenic pressures. In addition, ORCAWA’s results will support evidence-based conservation measures and contribute to the long-term protection and recovery of killer whales from a One Health perspective.
The project is developed in collaboration with Loro Parque Fundación