Our partner: AIMM

AIMM – Marine Environment Research Association is a non-governmental, non-profit environmental organisation that, since 2010, has been dedicated to promoting research, education and conservation that focuses on marine megafauna.

Its headquarters are in the Algarve region, south of Portugal, where AIMM carries out most of its activities, but it is also involved in projects in other parts of the country and abroad.

The secret superpower of AIMM is a team that has been growing over the last 15 years, multidisciplinary, with vast knowledge of research, education and conservation in the areas of marine biology, as well as in the areas of marketing and communication.

Different people, who think differently, all working for a common objective and following the same goal: ocean conservation. Dr. Joana Castro founded the organisation after she got her Master's degree in Marine Biology.

It started as a small project, based on the voluntary work of her and other young biologists, who wanted to turn the world into a better place and work on real research in Portugal.

The mission was to protect the marine environment while creating more opportunities for those interested in marine biology.

What is the mission and long-term vision of AIMM?

AIMM’s mission is based on the three areas that the association focuses on: research, education and conservation. The team collaborates with national and international entities, such as maritime agents, authorities, environmental impact companies, wildlife watching companies, NGOs, universities, schools and public institutions.

Altogether, promoting a more sustainable and safe environment for the marine megafauna that can be found in southern Portugal. In order to improve the dolphin-watching activities along the southern coast of Portugal, AIMM wants to reinforce the training that is given to all those responsible and employed by these companies.

It’s the organisation’s belief that dolphin watching tours are a very important sector for Algarve tourism that provide the public with a unique experience with animals in their natural environment, if the laws of conduct and approach to animals are respected. And as such, AIMM wants to continue supporting the sustainability of this activity.

Learn more about AIMM!

What kind of programmes does AIMM offer?

AIMM offers a wide variety of theoretical and practical courses, webinars and workshops accessible to all, and some more specific courses on study methodologies or data analysis programs.

They are always open to collaborating with national and international universities, regularly receiving students to develop their theses or other research projects. Beyond the wide variety of training they promote, they have their intensive course that runs annually, from May to November - Dolphin Research Internship.

The participants of this course learn to identify and interpret the behaviour and social composition of the groups of animals we encounter in the ocean, they get theoretical classes, practice various techniques and methodologies used in the study of cetaceans during the field work with the researchers, and get taught about data collection, photo analysis and underwater and aerial video collection.

The ongoing research projects at AIMM include:

The use of drones to evaluate potential mother-calf separation during tuna purse seine fishing in the Eastern Tropical Pacific; the study of acoustic signalling and interspecific divergence in bottlenose and common dolphins in southern Portugal; surveillance and monitoring of marine megafauna in Algarve coastal waters and in the newly created Marine Protected Area; land-based observation of cetaceans; characterization and improvement of “Dolphin & Whale Watching” and other ecotourism activities; research of the social organization and behaviour of different dolphin species; collection of ecological data on marine megafauna to assess the potential effects of climate change; and acoustic studies of cetacean distribution and abundance.

What key achievements has AIMM made so far?

Research:

• 15 scientific articles published.
• +10.000 sightings of 19 species of marine megafauna, and of other species.
• 6.000 hours of field work on the research vessel.

Education:

• Mentoring of 45 students (19 BSc students, 22 MSc students and 4 PhD students.
• 508 participants of the Dolphin Research Internship, of 38 different nationalities.

Conservation:

• Oceanic expeditions to the Azores, Cascais, Gorringe, Algarve, Cape Verde, Italy, Mexico and Panama.
• Participation in the creation of the Algarve’s new MPA, contributing with scientific data to support the decision-making process and the current role of disseminating, monitoring, and communicating the MPA’s management measures. The Marine Natural Park of Algarve Reef – Pedra do Valado is the region's newest marine protected area. Created in November 2023, it covers an area of around 156 km2 on the coast of Albufeira, Lagoa and Silves Municipalities.

How does the work of AIMM engage with the local communities?

AIMM engages with the local community in its programmes of research, education, and collaborative conservation:

One of AIMM’s most notable contributions is its role in the creation of the new Marine Protected Area of the Algarve Reef – Pedra do Valado, where it provided essential scientific data during the decision-making process. This was a collaborative process, where AIMM was one of the 70 entities that took the project to the government to ask for the protection of that hotspot region.

Education is another special pillar of AIMM’s mission. Through its educational programs and outreach activities, AIMM works with schools, students, and the public to raise awareness about marine conservation and inspire the next generation.

Throughout the year, AIMM also organises beach, coastal, and underwater cleanup actions in collaboration with local municipalities, companies, and students of all ages.

These events not only help keep the coastline clean but also create a sense of community responsibility for nature. AIMM also shares its scientific findings with organisations, researchers, and government bodies to help implement effective conservation measures.

Additionally, the organisation goes on oceanic expeditions with partner institutions, many of which have positively influenced policy decisions on marine protection, enhancing the sustainability and biodiversity of our oceans.

What are the main challenges AIMM is facing?

One of the biggest challenges at AIMM, and surely at most other NGOs, is keeping the organisation’s work financially sustainable.

AIMM doesn’t receive any government funding, so most of what they do depends on research projects, grants, awards and the incredible support of people who believe in the mission. Unfortunately, funding opportunities can be unpredictable, which makes it difficult to plan long-term projects, even when the motivation and passion are always there.

Donations and merchandising help a lot, and the organisation is so grateful for everyone who supports them that way. And the team loves seeing people wearing the sweatshirts with the logo and Hero of the Oceans badge! AIMM is also proud to be part of 1% for the Planet, which has connected them with excellent partners who share common goals.

Still, one of the easiest ways people can help is by sharing connections — introducing AIMM to companies, institutions, or individuals interested in marine conservation, or pointing the team toward grants and awards that they could apply for.

Every new opportunity helps AIMM keep protecting marine life and inspiring others to do the same.

What do you want people to know or do to best support AIMM?

The AIMM team would love for people to take a little time to discover more about what they do and the amazing marine life they protect. The Algarve is an incredibly rich area in terms of biodiversity; many species of dolphins, whales, sea turtles, sharks, bony fishes, and so many other species call it home.

For anyone who considers themselves a "Conscious Explorer", it’s the perfect place to visit and connect with nature (not only the sea!), but it’s essential to do so responsibly (and consciously!). AIMM encourages visitors to choose wildlife-watching operators who care about the animals' safety and the habitat they use.

On AIMM’s website, there’s a list of dolphin-watching partners across the Algarve who receive training and courses from the team; that’s always a great place to start. AIMM also appreciates when people share their work, explore the website, and follow along on social media. Every like, comment, or share helps spread awareness!

The team always tries to put out a diverse type of content, from amazing videos and photos of sightings, new research projects and also educational content. And if someone leaves this website with a bit more knowledge about the Algarve’s abundant wildlife, AIMM sees that as a win.

Support AIMM now!