About IIM

The Institute of Marine Research (IIM-CSIC) is one of the main marine research centers in the Iberian Peninsula. Looking at the Atlantic from Vigo, a city with a strong connection with the sea, the IIM-CSIC faces the challenge of increasing our knowledge about the ocean, from its physical characteristics to the food we take from it and the processes that bind the whole system together.

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Research

Research is at the core of the Institute of Marine Research's work. Working along 3 Core Research Themes, which intertwine and connect to each other, the researchers and technicians at the IIM-CSIC look for answers within 9 different research lines.

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Innovation

While our research provides us with new knowledge about our sea and shores, at the Institute of Marine Research we are committed to go a step further, creating new collaborations with the industry and other economic activities, be they already 'established' industries, such as fisheries or aquaculture, or 'emerging' ones, such as ocean observation.

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Society

Science is not complete until it is shared with society. As a public research institution, the IIM understands that its commitment is with society, fostering a two-way relationship with its surrounding community and an open perspective on science.

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Work & Study

Marine scientists, lab technicians, biologists, chemists and engineers, but also economists, lawyers or communicators (both working and in training) contribute to the interdisciplinary nature of our center. With more than 200 employees, the IIM-CSIC is a large community of people who work together for the sake of science, knowledge and sustainability.

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News & Events

Do you want to be aware of the latest at the IIM? The Institute has a whole team involved in communication & outreach, sharing all news that arise and organizing events to reach all sectors of society: from other peers working in science to children in schools or our neighbors from Vigo.

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Oceanic and Coastal Systems

Global change & other anthropogenic impacts on the ocean

The Earth System is and has always been subject to profound global changes throughout its history. In the past, natural cycles, such as solar variations, changes in Earth’s orbit or plate tectonics, were the main causes of these alterations. Nowadays, in the Anthropocene Epoch, there is overwhelming evidence of a new factor that has become the main driver for planetary-scale changes; that is, the growing demand for resources and increasing generation of waste by the human population.

The anthropogenic activity needed to fulfill our current society’s demands has planetary-scale impacts on the Earth System, resulting in Global Change, which also takes its toll on the ocean. In addition, the acceleration of Climate Change and the growing marine pollution eventually increase the risks to Earth's ecosystems and human societies. 

Understanding the impact of Global Change and human activity on local marine areas, as well as the risks they pose to local natural resources and ecosystem services, is not only key for risk assessment, but also may contribute to a better comprehension and monitoring of planetary-scale changes. 

At IIM-CSIC, we look into different aspects of these impact/risk interplays both within the local and global contexts. The study of Global Warming, rising sea levels, changes in ocean currents and weather patterns, Ocean Acidification, ocean deoxygenation, shifts in biogeochemical cycles, and variations in the presence of Rare Earth Elements (RRE) or heavy and trace metals allows us to have a holistic view of the system and provide appropriate tools and responses to present and future changes.

 

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Inside this Research Line
Research Groups Research Projects Related Research Lines