eDNA, Microbiomes, Photogrammetry and Hormones Assessment Techniques in Cetaceans

On 21st January, we successfully held the online EMPHATIC Stakeholder Informative Session, bringing together 26 participants, including members of the EMPHATIC team and valued stakeholders.

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The session offered an overview of the project’s progress and created a productive space for exchange on future directions and opportunities for collaboration. It also featured two stakeholder presentations from the Madeira Whale Museum and RALVT, which provided valuable insights and perspectives.

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Thank you to everyone who joined us! Your input was essential as we continued shaping the next phases of the EMPHATIC project.

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On September 30, 2025, the EMPHATIC partners gathered at La Rochelle Université for our mid-term meeting.

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It was a full day dedicated to updates, collaboration, and in-depth discussions on key topics such as stakeholder engagement, protocol development, and data integration, all with one shared goal: protecting cetaceans in the Bay of Biscay, Iberian Coast, and Western Mediterranean sub-regions.​​

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The meeting also provided an opportunity to review the project’s progress so far, align next steps across work packages, and identify priorities for the coming months. By sharing experiences and technical insights, partners ensured that the project continues to move forward cohesively toward its scientific and conservation objectives.

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We were proud to have several members of the EMPHATIC team participate in the 36th European Cetacean Society (ECS) Conference, held this year in Ponta Delgada, Azores, from May 12th to 16th, 2025.

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With more than 700 participants, it marked the largest ECS conference to date, bringing together researchers, conservationists, and marine professionals from across Europe and beyond to share knowledge and advance the field of cetacean science.

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​Our team was represented by researchers from CIIMAR, Instituto de Investigacións Mariñas – CSIC, La Rochelle Université, and the CIMA Research Foundation. The conference provided a fantastic opportunity to present our latest findings, engage in meaningful discussions, and strengthen collaborations.

 

On April 17, 2024, Raul Valente, a member of the EMPHATIC team, proudly presented our project at the BioDivMon kick-off meeting in Tallinn, Estonia!

 

The event brought together 120 in-person and 160 online participants, including researchers, policymakers, and funding bodies that gathered to launch 33 new projects funded under the BiodivMon research call. This initiative, backed by over €46 million, aims to improve how we track changes in biodiversity and ecosystems—helping both science and society.

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Over the course of three days, the Biodiversa+ events provided a fantastic opportunity to connect with other funded projects and key stakeholders. It was the perfect setting to build new collaborations and ignite future synergies.

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On April 3, 2024, the EMPHATIC project officially launched with a kick-off meeting at CIIMAR in Matosinhos, Portugal. With the presence of 18 researchers from the four partner countries - Portugal, Spain, France and Italy - the event set the ground for an exciting journey ahead.

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The meeting started with a warm welcome from Prof. Vitor Vasconcelos, Director of CIIMAR. Graham Pierce (IIM-CSIC), the Coordinator of EMPHATIC, followed with an introduction to the project's framework.

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The meeting continued with a round of introductions, allowing participants to get to know each other. Following this, discussions centered on the first steps for each work package, ensuring a clear path forward for the project's objectives.

 

Stay tuned for more updates on our progress!