The Portuguese Institute for the Ocean and Atmosphere (IPMA-Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera) is the governmental research institute devoted to ocean and atmospheric science and technology, providing technical and scientific support to the definition and implementation of national strategies and policies in these areas of expertise.
IPMA operates and maintains state-owned scientific infrastructures, like the Portuguese meteorological, climate and seismological networks, several research vessels, and several aquaculture facilities (in land and offshore).
IPMA possesses a vast experience in interdisciplinary studies related to all fields of marine sciences and biodiversity, namely oceanography, marine biology and ecology, fisheries, aquaculture, upgrade of fisheries products, paleoclimate, processes of mineral resources, and natural hazards (e.g., tsunamis and submarine mass movements). IPMA has a long experience of sea going and operational activities (e.g., runs a 24/7 meteorological services and maintains the ICES WGZE Cascais Bay monitoring station) that allow the development and implementation of ocean observation systems.
From top left and clockwise: IPMA’s RV Noruega; Weather Watch Center; Cascais Bay monitoring station (Cascais Watch); and Seismic and Tsunami Watch Center (credit: IPMA)
