Estación de Ciencias Mariñas de Toralla (ECIMAT)

Toralla Island, Vigo, Spain. NW coast of the Iberian Peninsula

Description of the infrastructure: ECIMAT-M ate located at Marine Research Station on Toralla island, Ría de Vigo (NW Spain). This area of the Atlantic coast is characterised by an upwelling-downwelling regime, in which upwelling events are more frequent from March to September. ECIMAT-M consist of 6 floating pelagic mesocosms platforms (1-2.5 m3; 1m diameter, 1-3m depth) for 6 as well as land-based mesocosms., The latter will be improved (finished in 2019) to allocate two pools (9m long, 3m wide and 2.5m deep) for 8 pelagic and soft-bottom benthic mesocosms tanks and tanks for microcosms experiments. 

Modality of access under AQUACOSM-plus: At least 250 person-days in total will be allocated to external users supported by an AQUACOSM TA activity in M22-33. Approximately 6 visiting scientists over 42 days for one year are welcome to make independent experiments at ECIMAT-M facilities. Collaboration with the local research community in new/ongoing experiments will be also welcome.

Services currently offered by the infrastructure: Users will get full access to the marine station, including mesocosm facilities, laboratories, office space, as well as boat and diving support for mesocosms experimentation. Accommodation in the proximities of ECIMAT is available at moderate cost.