First Oceanographic Misson on Sub-region of Madeira

In Search of Hope – by Sam Gannon

Seconded to the parish of Tililngdon, the Reverend Dolores has been presented with a challenge.

She’s living in an antiquated house and she’s cold. Furthermore, her new Bishop, Bishop Alice does not approve of ‘showgirls in dog collars.’

Determined to prove the Bishop wrong, she sets about warming her house – who cares if it smells of horse! There is the crochet club, jumble sale, and soup run to organise. And this year, the church bells will ring, no matter what threats are made. Even more so, the newly formed choir will spread a little joy this Christmas, even though they can’t sing – yet! And with a little help from Phil, her bassist, this year could be full of magic.

However, she has a fight on her hands as the townies out in Knob Hill – she must stop calling it that, are trying to stop her from ringing her bells. When Krystal with a K decides to do some volunteer work, Dolores sets out to see just how committed she really is.

Up to her ears in granny squares and squawking choristers, Dolores is revving up for Christmas, yet a deeper darker secret is beginning to emerge!

A secret that could blow the whole parish apart and put Dolores in danger.

(available from Amazon)

Research vessel Mário Ruivo, from the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere, is carrying out the first oceanographic mission dedicated to oceanic marine protected areas, which, in this campaign, focuses on the marine sub-region of Madeira, namely the Madeira-Tore Geological Complex, with the aim of mapping a national network of marine protected areas.

The Project is financed by the Blue Fund, and will cost in the region of 2.5 Million euros and is in partnership with the General Directorate of Natural Resources, Safety and Maritime Services (DGRM).

Vitor Prior, IPMA representative in Madeira states that this multidisciplinary research campaign is crucial for the collection of information necessary for the characterisation of biodiversity and habitats in the seamounts of the Madeira-Tore Geological Complex and the adjacent seamounts, notably Ampère and Coral Patch, as well as Mount Gorringe. It is also intended to identify new areas of high interest for the conservation of biodiversity in the region and to constitute the scientific basis to support the planning and management of current and future classified areas.

The campaign is divided into two stages. After a stopover in Funchal, today, this first phase will end on the 11th in Lisbon. The second stage is expected to take place in the first half of 2025, depending on metocean conditions.

It should be noted that, for the first time, researchers from all Associated Laboratories in the Sea Area are collaborating on this mission: i) Interdisciplinary Center for Marine and Environmental Research of the University of Porto (CIIMAR); Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies of the University of Aveiro (CESAM); iii) Centre for Marine Sciences of the University of Algarve (CCMAR) and the Centre for Marine and Environmental Sciences (MARE), with 8 higher education poles (Coimbra, Leiria, Lisbon, Évora and Madeira). The Regional Directorate for the Policy of the Sea of Madeira and ARDITI – Regional Agency for the Development of Research, Technology and Innovation of Madeira also collaborate in this project.

Samantha Gannon

info at madeira-weekly.com

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