AIMM – Marine Environment Research Association
AIMM is a Portuguese environmental non-governmental and not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the research and conservation of marine species and ecosystems. Founded in 2010 and based in the Algarve region, AIMM aims to be a reference for research, conservation and education of the marine environment, promoting activities and establishing partnerships that, in a cooperative way, enhance the understanding of issues related to the marine environment.
AIMM has developed most of its projects in the Algarve region, but also in other regions of Portugal and outside the country, particularly in the Atlantic.
AIMM works in collaboration with national and international entities, such as maritime agents, administrative authorities, dolphin watching companies, other NGOs, universities and public institutions. In cooperation, they try to promote a sustainable and safer environment for marine species.
AIMM’s Story
Our founder, Joana Castro, wanted to create an organization, a space really, where she could do the type of science she believes is going to contribute best for the conservation of our oceans. Also to create a space where she could give opportunities and jobs to biologists with similar mission and passion. We are a small and multi-disciplinary team based in Albufeira, Portugal. Researchers, biologists, designers, educators, volunteers and everything in between, no matter our background and skillset, we all share a common goal: the conservation of our marine environment.
Together, we believe that we can make a positive difference in the conservation of the ocean. And seeing year after year, the organization grow, the number of students we receive getting bigger, the community interest in knowing more, that's what keeps us going.
AIMM’S Mission
To protect marine species and their ecosystems through scientific research, conservation and environmental education, while also offering opportunities for everyone to better understand the marine environment.
AIMM’S Inspiration
The work of AIMM is based on the three aspects of research, conservation, and education. We work in collaboration with national and international entities, such as maritime agents, administrative authorities, dolphin-watching companies, other NGOs, universities, and public institutions. In cooperation, we try to promote a sustainable and safer environment for marine species.
Research forms the basis of our organisation. We collect data at sea daily, as the weather allows, to support scientific studies while updating the conservation status of marine mammals. Our work is developed with non-invasive techniques like photo-ID and visual observation with videos, using drones and underwater cameras.
To increase awareness and understanding of the marine environment, we conduct educational programs with schools, organisations, and other sea stakeholders, to provide opportunities to lessen mankind’s impact on the ocean.
AIMM participates in joint oceanic expeditions with other organizations, researchers, and governments to make improvements to policies concerning marine life. Many of these expeditions have had a positive impact on political decisions taken in relation to the protection of marine life, thus increasing the sustainability and biodiversity of the oceans.
In order to improve tourist activities for whale watching along the south coast of Portugal, we always give training to the workers of our partner's companies. We believe that these companies are very important for tourism in the Algarve and provide the public with a unique experience with animals in their natural environment.
What do you hope to change in the world?
Pollution is a big part of today's problems. There are many more that have nothing to do with pollution or marine trash. But despite being a big one, we believe it is a simple one to tackle, only if everyone does their part. So, we would change every person's mind regarding this subject. Plant in their head that we need to reduce our plastic use (single or not), we need to recycle and compost the garbage we do make and we need to speak up so the big corporations can change.
AIMM’S Legacy
Starting in our own country, Portugal, we would like to share a better understanding of how beautiful the sea is and how many species and biodiversity we have in our own "backyard". If everyone knew what there's out there, if they started to love our environment, maybe they would be keener to protect it at all costs.
current projects
Research
Research forms the basis of our organisation. We collect data at sea daily, as the weather allows, to support scientific studies while updating the conservation status of marine mammals. Our work is developed with non-invasive techniques like photo-ID and visual observation with videos, using drones and underwater cameras.
Education
To increase awareness and understanding of the marine environment, we conduct educational programs with schools, organisations, and other sea stakeholders, to provide opportunities to lessen mankind’s impact on the ocean.
Conservation
AIMM participates in joint oceanic expeditions with other organisations, researchers, and governments to make improvements to policies concerning marine life. Many of these expeditions have had a positive impact on political decisions taken in relation to the protection of marine life, thus increasing the sustainability and biodiversity of the oceans.
Support AIMM’s Work
WEBSITE: www.aimmportugal.org
INSTAGRAM: @aimmportugal_org
