GMV leads the technological fight against the invasive seaweed threatening marine biodiversity

An invasive seaweed species originating from the Pacific Ocean is silently advancing along the Portuguese coastline and already poses a growing threat to beaches, marine biodiversity, and economic activity.

To address this challenge, the Municipality of Cascais is investing in an innovative solution based on space technology, artificial intelligence, and ocean science, capable of predicting when and where the seaweed is likely to reach the coast.

The project, known as EO4RO (Earth Observation for the Mapping and Monitoring of Rugulopteryx okamurae), will be carried out over a 12-month period by a consortium comprising GMV Portugal and Plymouth Marine Laboratory, one of the world's leading marine research institutions. The initiative is funded by the Municipality of Cascais.