MultiCanal Mesocosms
Contribution to Science
The MultiCanal Mesocosms (MCM) is an experimental unit financed through the European project “MARS - Managing Aquatic Ecosystems and water Resources under multiple Stress”, aiming to understand the effect of stressors (e.g. salinity, oxygen depletion, pesticids, wildfire ashes, instream obstacles), isolated or in combination, on aquatic organisms, such as fish.
Societal Impact
The MCM addresses the effect of habitat fragmentation and barriers, nutrient runoff and other stressors on freshwater fish communities, revealing how they can impact fish movement and behaviour. This information is vital for developing effective conservation strategies and policies.
Application in Education
Mesocosms are controlled outdoor experiment units that simulate natural environments. The MCM provides hands-on learning opportunities for students to engage with real-world ecological processes. This increases their interest in scientific subjects by allowing to directly interact with and observe natural phenomena.
Notable Facts / Curiosities
The MCM operates since 2016 in which several BSc projects, MSc dissertations and PhD theses have been conducted addressing freshwater fish and macroinvertebrates responses to multiple stressors.
Contact: Prof. José Maria Santos (jmsantos@isa.ulisboa.pt)
