Sentinelas Microbianos: Potenciar a Ciência de Dados e os Conhecimentos Ecossistémicos para a Gestão Sustentável Costeira e Oceânica

1. Investigating Microbial Diversity:A key objective is to catalog the diversity of microbial communities in the Azores’ marine ecosystems. By employing high-throughput sequencing (HTS) and metagenomic techniques, the project will explore the variety of microbial organisms, such as bacteria, archaea, and plankton, that inhabit these unique environments. Understanding microbial diversity is crucial for assessing the ecological roles of these organisms. 2. Understanding Microbial Functionality:Beyond identifying species, MicroSent seeks to understand the functional capacities of these microorganisms. Through multi-omics approaches like transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, the project will explore how microbes contribute to essential processes like nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration, and pollutant degradation. These insights will highlight the microbes' impact on marine ecosystem health. 3. Exploring Microbial-Environmental Interactions: The project will also examine how microbial communities interact with environmental factors such as temperature, salinity, and nutrient levels. Understanding these interactions is essential for predicting the impacts of climate change and human activities on marine ecosystems. MicroSent will identify microbial indicators that can be used to assess the health and stability of these environments. 4. Developing Integrated Monitoring Platforms: Another goal is to create integrated platforms that combine environmental data with microbial and functional analyses. By merging oceanographic sensor data with genomic data, the project will provide real-time insights into microbial health and ecosystem conditions. This platform will be a valuable tool for marine managers, enabling better conservation decisions. 5. Supporting Policy and Management Frameworks:Aligning with environmental policies like the European MSFD and Portugal’s DGPM, MicroSent aims to contribute to the achievement of Good Environmental Status (GES) in European seas. The project will provide data to support efforts in protecting biodiversity, preventing eutrophication, and ensuring the integrity of seafloor ecosystems. 6. Advancing Sustainable Ocean Management:MicroSent seeks to advance sustainable ocean management practices by generating knowledge about microbial communities and their roles in marine ecosystem processes. The project aims to identify resilient microbial populations and contribute to the development of evidence-based strategies for resource conservation. 7. Engaging the Public through Citizen Science:The project incorporates citizen science by involving local communities in microbial monitoring. By engaging scuba divers, fishermen, and residents, MicroSent promotes public participation in conservation efforts. Citizen scientists will assist in data collection, helping expand the project’s database while fostering marine stewardship. 8. Enhancing Education and Knowledge Dissemination:MicroSent is committed to enhancing education by sharing research findings and collaborating with academic institutions. The project will raise public awareness about the importance of marine microorganisms and promote understanding of their role in oceanic ecosystem services, encouraging sustainable behaviors and ocean conservation.