AZTI To Set Up Speciliazed Lab For Pelagic Species ff

AZTI-Tecnalia and the Aquarium of Donostia-San Sebastian, in Spain, are set to collaborate in the area of marine research, and to bring to public attention the scientific advances that the two institutions have been making. To this end, the Aquarium of Donostia-San Sebastian will be making available a space where AZTI-Tecnalia and the Aquarium will be proposing a tour through current knowledge and research due to be carried out on our coast in the future; the aim of this research is to ensure the sustainability of the area’s biodiversity as well as of the resources exploited by man. The people in top positions of responsibility at the two institutions –Luis Javier Tellería, Chairman of AZTI-Tecnalia, and Vicente Zaragueta, Chairman of the Aquarium– have been assigned to sign the agreement.

The existing room for temporary exhibitions at the Aquarium will make available the space where AZTI-Tecnalia and the FOG (Oceanographic Foundation of Gipuzkoa) will be showing to the public the research conducted by the two institutions, either separately or jointly. Other scientific subjects connected with the sea and with the Basque Country’s oceanographic heritage will also be exhibited in this room, which is due to come into operation in 2009. In the meantime, the two institutions will be working together on the design of the space and its contents.

AZTI-Tecnalia will be collaborating in the development and organisation of the Research Area of the Aquarium, which belongs to the Oceanographic Foundation. The two bodies will be carrying out joint research projects, exchanging personnel for specific tasks and participating together in programmes for training researchers.

Laboratory for Pelagic Species

The agreement also covers the design and setting-up of a laboratory fully equipped for conducting research into pelagic species (like tuna, Atlantic mackerel, Atlantic horse mackerel or anchovy) with special attention given to studies dealing with tuna fish with respect to their reproduction, behavior, tagging and monitoring, among other things. If the project is finally approved, these installations will be located in the subterranean extension under the new esplanade (“paseo nuevo”) that the Aquarium of San Sebastian is planning.

The collaboration agreement will be in force for five years and has been signed by Rogelio Pozo, Director-General of AZTI-Tecnalia, and Vicente Zaragüeta, Chairman of the Oceanographic Foundation of Gipuzkoa.