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OTHER GROUPS: GIA / BIOCON / TOTMA / OFYGA

The Ecophysiology and Physics of Marine Systems (EOMAR) group of the ECOAQUA University Institute, leaded by May Gómez Cabrera, was founded in 2008 thanks to the concern of some researchers from various disciplines of Marine Sciences, who looking for answer several questions in the field of Oceanography, allowing a better understanding of marine ecosystems.

It has been incorporating several lines of research into its structure, and currently focuses its work on the ecophysiology of marine organisms, enzyme biochemistry, marine pollution, the risk caused by microplastics to marine fauna, and the field of toxic algae and invasive species.

It is a group especially committed to the conservation of the marine environment and the dissemination of the results obtained, both at national and international congresses and through various actions aimed at society in general.

It is currently growing, adding laboratories, equipment and staff.  For now, the number of official members is 12, linked to various projects: IMPLAMAC, RESPONSE, LICEM, MICROPLEACH, CAPonLitter and EnviroPlaNet.

In addition to participating in projects, the group has published numerous scientific papers and has supervised a large number of master's and bachelor's degree theses and doctoral dissertations.

Its headquarters are located in the Ciencias Básicas building of the Tafira University Campus of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

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  • May Gómez Cabrera

    Deputy Director of the University Institute ECOAQUA and head of the EOMAR Group and also of the Doctoral School of the ULPGC, this professor is a specialist in Zoology. Her research lines are especially related to Ecology, Physiology and Biochemistry of Zooplankton. She has also studied the transfer of microplastics in the marine food chain.

    Academic position: Professor of the ULPGC

    Corporate email:
    may.gomez@ulpgc.es

    accedaCRIS profile
    ORCID profile
    ResearchGate profile

  • Alicia Herrera Ulibarri

    PhD in Marine Sciences by the ULPGC, her line of research focused on marine pollution by microplastics, and its transfer through food webs and the possible effects on marine organisms, for which she won the first award of the Telefónica Chair of the University of ULPGC. Co-founder of the Latitud Azul Association, she is particularly concerned with dissemination, with the aim of generating a change in environmental conscience.

    Academic position: "Viera y Clavijo" Researcher of Excellence

    Corporate email:
    alicia.herrera@ulpgc.es

    ORCID profile
    ResearchGate profile

  • Ted Packard

    PhD in Oceanography from the University of Washington, he currently teaches Ecosystem Oceanography in the Master's Degree in Oceanography at the ULPGC. His research interests focus on the Ecology, Physiology and Biochemistry of Plankton. Also in metabolism, respiration, ammonium excretion, and the growth and production of planktonic communities.

    Academic position: University Institute ECOAQUA Researcher

    Corporate email:
    theodore.packard@ulpgc.es

    ORCID profile
    ResearchGate profile

  • Emilio Soler Onís

    PhD in Marine Sciences from the ULPGC, he is accredited by the IOC-UNESCO as an expert in the identification of potentially harmful algae. His research focuses on the control and monitoring of changes in marine ecosystems in the Macaronesian region, climate change and organisms associated with microplastics, among other lines.

    Academic position: Researcher at the Canary Islands Harmful Algae Observatory (OCHAB), associated with EOMAR.

    Corporate email:
    emiliosoleronis@fpct.ulpgc.es

    ResearchGate profile

  • Ico Martínez Sánchez

    Researcher graduated in Marine Sciences from the ULPGC, and specialises in zooplankton ecology, physiology and biochemistry. Her lines of research concern metabolism, respiration, ammonium excretion and the growth and production of zooplankton communities. She has also carried out several projects on the transfer of microplastics in the marine food web.

    Academic position: Researcher contracted at University Institute ECOAQUA (ICP2)

    Corporate email:
    ico.martinez@ulpgc.es

    ORCID profile
    ResearchGate profile

  • Borja Aguiar González

    Academic position: Professor hired by the ULPGC specialized in Applied Physics.

    Corporate email:
    borja.aguiar@ulpgc.es

    Profile in accedaCRIS
    Profile in Google Scholar
    Profile in ResearchGate

  • Alberto Navarro Molina

    Graduated in Veterinary with a master's degree in Animal Health and Food Safety from the ULPGC. He has completed the scholarship of the Inserta Program of the Fundación Universitaria de Las Palmas (FULP) with the position of veterinarian at the Centro de Recuperación de Fauna Silvestre de Tafira. He is currently working as a predoctoral researcher,  his main line of research is the impact generated by plastics on marine vertebrate fauna. 

    Academic position: PhD student of the ULPGC

    Corporate email:
    alberto.navarro106@alu.ulpgc.es

    ResearchGate profile

  • Sofía Huelbes Muñoz

    Predoctoral researcher and graduated in Marine Sciences with a Master's degree in Sustainable Management of Fisheries Resources. She was hired as a project technician through the 'Investigo' program, which is part of the IMPLAMAC project, within the research line called 'Study of microplastics and their influence on trophic chains'. 

    Currently, her line of research focuses on the study of anthropogenic impact and other natural stressors on marine crustaceans.

    Academic position: PhD student of the ULPGC

    Corporate email:
    sofia.huelbes@ulpgc.es

    ORCID profile

  • Tania Pareira Vázquez

    Tania Pereira Vázquez

    Graduate in Marine Sciences by the University of Vigo, and Master in Oceanography by that university and ULPGC, specializing in open ocean processes and unique regions. Currently hired as predoctoral research staff by the ULPGC through funds belonging to the ACIISI (Canary Agency for Research, Innovation and Information Society), for the development of her doctoral thesis. Her thesis project focuses on the study and characterization of the western boundary current system located in the Weddell Gyre, with the title: "Spatial and temporal characterization of the current system in the western boundary of the Weddell Gyre".

    Academic position:PDI contracted, predoctoral,

    Corporate email:                      tania.pereira@ulpgc.es

    AccedaCRIS profile

    Google Scholar profile

    ORCID profile

  • Tania Pareira Vázquez

    Marina Gutiérrez García

    Graduated in Marine Sciences from the University of Alicante, she holds a Master's degree in Oceanography from the ULPGC. Her line of research focuses on Physical Polar Oceanography, both in the Arctic and Antarctic.

    Academic position:Research staff in training at the ULPGC.

    Corporate email:                      marina.gutierrez103@alu.ulpgc.es

    ORCID profile

Projects

Conservation Strategies for Sharks and Rays in the Canary Islands

Project description:

This project aims to study the biophysical-chemical coupling and connectivity between phytoplankton blooms in Bransfield Strait and the northwest Weddell Sea. Its multidisciplinary approach combines various scientific disciplines such as physical, chemical and biological oceanography, biogeochemistry, genomics and numerical modelling.

ECOAQUA main researcher:
Dr. Miguel Borja Aguiar.

Number of researchers involved: 6.

Funding scope: National.

Budgets: 257.500€

Start/end date: 2024 - 2028.

PROJECT WEBSITE

Conservation Strategies for Sharks and Rays in the Canary Islands

Project description:

The project ‘Conservation Strategies for Sharks and Rays in the Canary Islands: A Scientific Approach and Stakeholder Review’ has two main objectives: to compile the available information on the biology, ecology and conservation of elasmobranchs, as well as their possible threats in the Canary Islands; and to disseminate this information to the general public through a dissemination campaign on the importance of rays and sharks for marine ecosystems, by demystifying the negative image that is generally held of sharks in the islands.

ECOAQUA main researcher:
Dr. Alicia Herrera.

Number of researchers involved: 7.

Funding scope: European.

Budgets: 104.800€.

Start/end date: 01/11/2024- 31/10/2027.

PROJECT WEBSITE

PHYSALIA

Project description:

The project 'Physical basis of biological sailing' (PHYSALIA) focuses on the study of the Portuguese frigate or Physalia physalis. This jellyfish-like species frequently arrives on the Canarian coasts, causing the well-known problems with bathers on the beaches. However, very little is known about the biology, spatial distribution, mechanisms that determine its seasonality and navigation patterns of this organism. The aim of the Physalia project is to shed light on all these questions.

ECOAQUA main researcher:
Dr. May Gómez Cabrera.

Number of researchers involved: 5.

Funding scope: National.

Budgets: 112.500€ 

Start/end date: 01/09/2024- 31/08/2027.

ASTRESS

Project description:

The ASTRESS (Assessment of anthropogenic multistressors in zooplankton and suprabenthos) project aims to holistically study the effect of several anthropogenic stressors on zooplankton and suprabenthos.

The oceans are currently being affected, particularly by marine litter, chemical spills, and noise pollution. Some of the effects of these pollutants are well known, such as the effect of noise on cetacean behavior, endocrine disruption resulting from chemical pollution in fish, or the harm caused by the ingestion of microplastics in turtles, fish, and seabirds.

However, the cumulative effects of these pollutants have not yet been studied in zooplankton and suprabenthos, two fundamental groups within marine ecosystems. These groups are at the base of the food chain, hence their importance in both pelagic and coastal regions. Understanding the impact of global change on these groups is essential for understanding the long-term effects on the oceans.

ECOAQUA main researcher:
Dr. Alicia Herrera Ulibarri

Number of researchers involved: 6

Funding scope: Regional

Budgets: 116.066,11€

Start/end date: 01/10/2024- 31/09/2027

MORE INFORMATION

PROJECT WEBSITE

MICROPLEACH

Project description:
MICROPLEACH seeks to evaluate the effects of leachates from the microplastic additives on plankton and the associated risk to coastal ecosystems.

Main researcher:
Dr. Rodrigo Almeda García

Number of researchers involved: 4

Funding scope: National

Budgets: 189.000€

Start/end date: 09/2021 - 09/2024

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RESPONSE

Project description:
The overall objective of the project is to provide ecologically relevant strategies to evaluate the distribution mode and biological effects of plastic particles in marine ecosystems.

ECOAQUA main researcher:
Dr. Rodrigo Almeda García

Number of researchers involved: >30

Funding scope: European

Budgets: 100.000€  

Start/end date: 2020 – 2024

More Information

LICEM

Project description:
The main objective of the LICEM project is the development of more sustainable and efficient plastics, through studies on the composition and characterisation of this type of waste (meso and microplastics), and their impact on the environment.

Main researcher:
Dra. May Gómez Cabrera

Number of researchers involved: 5

Funding scope: Regional

Budgets: 262.813,67€

Start/end date: 01/2021 - 06/2023

 

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IMPLAMAC

Project description:
This project aims to create an observatory to generate quantitative and qualitative data on the impact of microplastics and different pollutants on the beaches of the archipelagos of the Canary Islands, Cabo Verde, Madeira and the Azores.

ECOAQUA main researcher:
Dra. May Gómez Cabrera/Dra. Alicia Herrera Ulibarri

Number of researchers involved: 17

Funding scope:  European

Budgets: 215.346€ 

Start/end date: 09/2019 - 09/2023

project website

Caponlitter

Project description:
CAPonLITTER aims to improve policies and practices that can help prevent marine litter resulting from coastal tourism and recreational activities.

Main researcher:
Dr. Ricardo J. Haroun Tabraue

Number of researchers involved: 15

Funding scope: European

Budgets: 184.331€

Start/end date: 01/10/2020 - 31/07/2023

project website

EnviroPlaNet

Project description:
Its objective is to coordinate an interdisciplinary group of Spanish research groups working on subjects related to contamination by plastic materials, improving key aspects that are currently an obstacle to research such as the methodological dispersion of sampling and sample analysis or the lack of consistency in toxicological and ecotoxicological studies.

ECOAQUA main researcher:
Dr. May Gómez Cabrera

Number of researchers involved: -

Funding scope: National

Budgets: 3.500€

Start/end date: 2018 - 31/12/2023

project website

News
02/06/2026
Five researchers from ECOAQUA are delivering an intensive course in Greece to address coastal environmental challenges
Ricardo Haroun, director of ECOAQUA, May Gómez, director of the EOMAR group, and BIOCON researchers Rodrigo Riera,...
20/05/2026
ECOAQUA will deliver 13 of the 26 talks scheduled by FIMAR 2026, which are open to all members of the public attending
Thirteen researchers from various groups will deliver these informative talks on Friday 22 May, and Saturday 23 May at...
08/04/2026
The PHYSALIA Project is moving from the laboratory and field research into primary school classrooms through the Blue Schools initiative
As part of the public outreach component of this scientific initiative—which studies Portuguese man-of-war to...

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Events

International Sea Fair – FIMAR 2026

22/05/2026

Under the theme ‘Outermost regions and the sea’, this event is a key regional gathering for the nautical and maritime sector in the Canary Islands.

The ECOAQUA University Institute, part of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), is once again playing a key role in one of the most important events in the Canary Islands relating to the sea, the FIMAR 2026 International Sea Fair, which will take place from Friday 22 May and Sunday 24 May, at the Sanapú quay in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, near the Poema del Mar aquarium and the Onda Atlántica walkway.

To this end, in addition to its now traditional stand, the university institute will offer, through its researchers, 13 of the 26 free public talks scheduled as part of the 15th edition of this major event – a figure that is almost double the number given last year, when it delivered a total of seven.

The fair is sponsored by the Cabildo of Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria City Council and the Port Authority of Las Palmas, and organised by Infecar Feria de Gran Canaria and Ciudad de Mar. Among the fair’s activities is the dissemination of scientific knowledge relating to the marine and maritime environment.

Date: 22, 23 and 24 May 2026.

Venue: Muelle Sanapú, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

Organisers: INFECAR and Ciudad de Mar, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria City Council.

In collaboration with: Cabildo of Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria City Council, Las Palmas Port Authority.

Participating research groups: EOMAR, OFYGA, GIA, BIOCON, TOTMA.

ECOAQUA SCHEDULE AT FIMAR 2026

EVENT WEBSITE
XXIV International Symposium of Cryptogamic Botany

07/07/2025

International symposium based on the five fields of cryptogamy (bryology, pteridology, phycology, lichenology and mycology). The theme of this 24th edition is ‘Cryptogamic diversity: preserving the past, innovating the future’.

Date: From 7 to 10 July 2025.

Venue: Pontevedra (Galicia).

Participating researchers: Emilio Soler-Onís, Ico Martínez, Alejandro González González

Organizers: Sociedad Española de Ficología, Sociedad Española de Liquenología, Sociedad Ibérica de Micología, Grupo Micolóxico Galego, Universidade da Coruña, Universidade de Vigo, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, BMKGene, Conello de Pontevedra, Allgenetics, Sociedad Española de Briología

Collaboration:

-Emilio Soler-Onís: Participation in the Scientific Committee. Oral communication entitled ‘Flora diatomológica de los tubos volcánicos de la isla de El Hierro, Islas Canarias’, and poster presentation ‘Ecological interactions and bloom triggers of benthic dinoflagellates Ostreopsis and Gambierdiscus in El Hierro, Canary Islands’.

-Alejandro González González González: Poster presentation, with the work entitled ‘Revision of the genus Audouinella Bory (Rhodophyta) in the Canary Islands’.

-Ico Martínez: Poster presentation, with the paper entitled "Producing or consuming? The potential annual respiratory variability of the epibiont community in the coastal waters of El Hierro (Canary Islands)".

Participating research group: EOMAR

EVENT WEBSITE

EVENT SCHEDULE
International Sea Fair FIMAR-2025

06/06/2025 

Under the slogan “The sustainability of the Canarian coastline”, this event is a regional event of reference for the nautical and marine-maritime sector of the Canary Islands, which will take place in the Muelle Sanapú, in the surroundings of the Poema del Mar aquarium and the Pasarela Onda Atlántica, promoted by the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, the City Council of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the Port Authority of Las Palmas and organised by Infecar Feria de Gran Canaria and Ciudad de Mar. Among the fair's activities is the dissemination of scientific information about the marine-maritime environment.

Date: 6th, 7th & 8th June 2025.

Venue: Muelle Sanapú, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

Organizers:  INFECA y Ciudad de Mar, Ayuntamiento de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

Partners: Cabildo de Gran Canaria, Ayuntamiento de las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Autoridad Portuaria de Las Palmas.

Participating research group: EOMAR, OFYGA, GIA, BIOCON & TOTMA.

ECOAQUA SCHEDULE

EVENT WEBSITE

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Training

Master's Degree in Marine Aquaculture (13th edition).
Master's degree in Oceanography by the University of Cádiz, the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and the University of Vigo
Degree in Marine Science
Degree in Veterinary Medicine

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The University Institute ECOAQUA is a research centre that belongs to the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, a public institution that offers a wide range of degrees in all the major areas of knowledge, with the aim of providing comprehensive training to those who come to it, in a commitment based on innovation, quality and internationalisation.

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