The project, funded by the Research Council of Norway, has been officially endorsed by the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.
The Marma Detox: Whales and polar bears in a petri dish project, funded by the Research Council of Norway, has been officially endorsed by the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (Ocean Decade), under the Ocean Biomolecular Observing Network (OBON) programme.
This international consortium, which includes CIIMAR as a partner, involves scientists from various institutions. Among the participants are Raquel Ruivo, Filipe Castro and Diogo Oliveira, researchers at CIIMAR, which reinforces the role of the research centre in the global marine science scene.
About Marma Detox
Large marine mammals play an important role in marine ecosystems as top predators. Unfortunately, their high energy intake also means they accumulate high levels of contaminants that can affect their health and act as indicators of environmental pollution. Orcas are the most contaminated marine mammal species due to their position as top predators, while baleen whales have lower levels of pollutants since they are filter feeders. These contaminants can disrupt animal physiology, growth, and reproduction, as well as immune function and overall health.
The main objective of Marma Detox is to decipher the effects of marine contaminants on mammals (such as orcas, whales and polar bears) through in vitro and in silico methods, using cell cultures obtained from skin and blubber biopsies to test toxicological responses.
The connection to the OBON programme
By participating in the OBON programme — an international biomolecular ocean observation network that analyses biological molecules (such as DNA, RNA, proteins) to understand marine life on a global scale — Marma Detox is now part of a strategic action of the Decade of the Oceans aimed at innovative monitoring of marine ecosystems.
Joining OBON strengthens the links between marine toxicology, molecular biology and continuous ocean observation, promoting the contribution of Marma Detox results to conservation policies, chemical regulation and informed environmental management.
