Managing shellfish aquaculture in the Ria Formosa (Portugal): CONNECT Ria Formosa

Ria Formosa, located in the Algarve region of Portugal, is a vital habitat for marine biodiversity and supports key economic activities. Recognized as both a Natural Park and a Ramsar site, this coastal lagoon accounts for approximately 80% of Portugal’s clam production.

CONNECT Ria Formosa is a high-resolution coastal monitoring and forecasting service tailored to the Ria Formosa lagoon. The service integrates model-based forecasts with in-situ and satellite observations to provide real-time and forecast information on physical, chemical, and biological variables. It extends the broader CONNECT coastal service by introducing capabilities specifically designed to support shellfish aquaculture and ecosystem management. These include:

- high-resolution daily forecasts of physical (e.g., water levels, currents, temperature, salinity, waves), biogeochemical (e.g., chlorophyll-a, dissolved oxygen), and microbiological (e.g., Escherichia coli, Enterococcus) variables, through downscaling of the Copernicus Marine Service’s regional IBI model;

- enhanced access to new near-real-time in-situ observations and high-resolution satellite data from the Copernicus Marine Service;

- physical and water quality indicators, including those specific to shellfish waters;

- on-demand simulation of discharges using a high-resolution particle tracking model.

The coastal service supports decision-making in areas such as compliance with the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), shellfish aquaculture management, and environmental risk assessment. By delivering high-resolution and timely information, the service enhances the monitoring and management of water quality, ecosystem health, and aquaculture operations in one of Portugal’s most valuable coastal regions.