The development of the project and preparation of the final report will be within 36 months from the date of approval of the proposal. The project will be developed in 5 phases:
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Phase 1. Implementation of CCEMAR
Within this phase we will reinforce the partnership through a multiple institutional agreement to the establishment of a Collaborative Center of Excellence in Marine Sciences CCEMAR, among project partners, plus an invitation to other Angolan Institutes and governmental bodies, to ensure long term support of monitoring, assessment and capacity building in marine sciences and QoL through an efficient Network of researchers.
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Phase 2. Survey of data on social-economic aspects of local communities and outreach ativities
Population Census areas in and around the Bay of Luanda (National Institute of Statistics of Angola); Surveys on community well–being (QoL). Local campaign with population involvement to increase environmental awareness (including plastic removal from bay) Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA) with the participation of scientific and technical researchers, representatives of relevant ministerial departments (Fisheries, Environment, Oil, Transport, Territory Administration, Hotel and Tourism) as well as the main stakeholder groups, local communities and NGOs in fisheries and environmental education for identifying and assessment risk sources, classification of values and assessment report of risk.
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Phase 3.
Sampling collection of physical-chemical and biological parameters including marine litter
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3.1. Data collection
For the sample collection of physical-chemical (water and sediment) and biological parameters, the boat "Ambiente will be used and whenever it is necessary to a vessel hired for sampling of the same. The collections will be carried out with a portable CTD (Conductivity-Temperature-Depth), probe multiparametric, grab VanVeen, plankton net and fish net and binoculars. The sampling frequency will be defined according to the parameters to be studied in the main seasons dry (“cacimbo”) and wet (hot). Intensive biodiversity campaigns by all partners “Rapid assess surverys” RAS. Beach surveys of marine litter quantification, including plastic itens.
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3.2. Samples and data curation
The samples will be stored in bottles and bags.
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3.3. Laboratory and data analysis
The laboratory analyzes shall be carried out in INIPM e UAN laboratories sites where there is no ability will be made at the laboratory of the Centre for Marine Sciences (CCMAR) of University of Algarve.
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3.4 Trophic model of the bay in different water quality scenarios
(pollutants, nutrients, HAB and invasive species)
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Phase 4. Experimental set up for HAB control
After identification of major toxicogenic microalgae species HAB, laboratory experiment will be implemented in INIPM Luanda, simulating condition of Luanda bay, and analyzing Bottom up control ( eg. Ligth, Nutrients) and Top down control (eg. predators)
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Phase 5. Implementation of marine Sciences PhD program within the CCEMAR and Dissemination of information
The strong development of the marine sciences PhD program in UALG will be used as a reference with adequate changes to develop a new Doctoral Program in marine sciences in UAN Luanda. The major results of the project, including environmental status of the Luanda Bay will be presented at the International Conference on Marine biodiversity and quality of life in Luanda Bay simultaneously with the launching of the Marine Sciences PhD Program.