CIIMAR is joining in the celebrations for World Oceans Day 2026 through two initiatives dedicated to promoting ocean literacy, marine sustainability and bridging the gap between science and society.
CIIMAR is joining in the celebrations for World Oceans Day 2026 through two initiatives dedicated to promoting ocean literacy, marine sustainability and bridging the gap between science and society.
On 7 and 8 June, as part of the International Day of the Oceans celebrations, CIIMAR will take part in the Matosinhos stage of the Portuguese Way of St James by Sail 2026, a maritime pilgrimage organised by the National Cruise Association and Fórum Oceano, with the support of Matosinhos City Council and various local partners. The initiative brings together around 20 sailing boats and 80 national and international participants, in a stage that combines heritage, culture, sustainability and community celebration.
CIIMAR’s participation includes a beach clean up initiative at Matosinhos beach, organised by the CMIA Matosinhos on 7 June, as an environmental awareness-raising activity with a scientific focus. On 8 June, the research centre will welcome around 90 visitors to its facilities at the Leixões Port Cruise Terminal with the aim of showcasing the work carried out by CIIMAR in the areas of marine research, sustainability and ocean literacy.
The celebrations continue on Saturday 13 June with an event organised by CIIMAR in partnership with Marina do Freixo, focusing on the challenges of marine sustainability and the appreciation of the ocean. The programme will begin at the Leixões Port Cruise Terminal with a session dedicated to emerging challenges associated with ports, marinas and ocean monitoring, bringing together various stakeholders from the maritime and scientific sectors.
This will be followed by a sailboat launch bound for Marina do Freixo, in the Douro Estuary, symbolising the connection between science, the local area and the community. On arrival, there will be a participatory session with various stakeholders, complemented by a practical component and a demonstration area dedicated to CIIMAR’s three thematic areas, which will showcase projects, technologies and research developed by the centre in the fields of marine ecosystems, resources and biotechnology, and global change.
