In collaboration with the Italian company Limenet, the initiative combines cutting-edge technology and Galician marine science to study innovative solutions in the ECIMAT mesocosms
The Marine Research Center (CIM) of the University of Vigo and the Italian company Limenet are developing a pioneering pilot test to evaluate the effects of ocean alkalinization, a technique that could help remove CO₂ from the atmosphere and store it permanently in the ocean.
The initiative, which combines cutting-edge technology and Galician marine science, is being carried out in the mesocosm facilities of the Toralla Marine Science Station (ECIMAT) and aims to study how this process may affect marine ecosystems. The results will help establish working protocols within the framework of the IRISCC project, funded by the Horizon Europe program. In this way, they can be offered as services through the infrastructures of the European Marine Biological Resource Centre (EMBRC-ERIC) network, of which ECIMAT is a part.
The experiment involves CIM researchers Pablo Serret and Estefanía Paredes, together with collaborators from the Institute of Marine Research (IIM-CSIC). Serret leads the experiments focused on the planktonic community—which includes phytoplankton, microzooplankton, bacteria, and zooplankton—while Paredes heads the trials with mollusks, specifically oysters and mussels. The plankton tests were conducted over fifteen days in October, and the mollusk experiments are currently being completed. Once this phase is finished, the analysis of the samples and data collected over these months will begin..
Colaboración entre Galicia e Italia
For its part, Limenet, founded in 2023, is a pioneering company that develops CO₂ removal technologies through the production of net-zero emission lime. The company considers scientific research an essential pillar of its activity and chose CIM for its internationally recognized infrastructure and its research team specialized in the study of the marine environment.
Throughout the process, the Limenet team is making regular visits to the ECIMAT facilities to monitor the generation of alkalinized water. In addition, two new researchers from Limenet and the University of Milan-Bicocca are undertaking a six-month stay in Vigo, participating in the preparation and analysis of the experiments.
This pilot test represents a significant step toward sustainable solutions against climate change, combining Limenet’s innovative technology with CIM’s scientific excellence and the unique large-scale experimental capabilities provided by the ECIMAT mesocosms, a one-of-a-kind infrastructure in the European context.
International mobility opportunity
In addition, the results of this collaboration have enabled the launch of a transnational access call within the framework of the IRISCC project, offering researchers from other countries the opportunity to work in Vigo on ocean alkalinization and explore new ways to mitigate climate change from the ocean.
This alliance demonstrates how Galician marine science can help tackle major global challenges, driving solutions based on knowledge, innovation, and international cooperation.
CIM holds the CIGUS recognition from the Regional Government of Galicia, which certifies the quality and impact of its research, and its activities are co-financed by the European Union through the FEDER 21-27 Program.
Source: DUVI
