AIMM – Marine Environment Research Association

Whenever sea conditions allow, AIMM takes its research vessel Ketos out for a daily boat survey. The work centres on marine megafauna, including cetaceans, sea turtles and sharks. The team gathers data through acoustic monitoring, drones and photo-identification, and that data supports conservation knowledge and policy. AIMM, the Marine Environment Research Association, is a Portuguese environmental non-governmental, not-for-profit organisation. Young marine biologists founded it in 2010. It's based in the Algarve and researches and conserves marine species and ecosystems along Portugal's southern coast and further afield. Its research team includes marine biologists, ecologists and scientific illustrators with advanced degrees from Portuguese and international universities. The association also runs environmental education projects for a wide range of audiences. Its Dolphin Research Internship programme has drawn participants from across Europe and beyond. With partner institutions and governments, AIMM takes part in joint oceanic expeditions, and the scientific evidence it has contributed has influenced political decisions on protecting marine life. Its partners include Instituto Meros do Brasil and Biosfera Cabo Verde, and it has hosted international symposia on ocean conservation. In 2022, founder and executive director Joana Castro received the Terre de Femmes Award for her work with AIMM. AIMM depends on donations, equipment support and community engagement to keep its research and conservation programmes going. It wants to become a lasting reference for marine science, education and stewardship in Portugal.