Ana Colaco

I am a deep-sea ecologist, specialized on hydrothermal vent ecosystems, the trophic ecology of deep-sea systems, benthic ecology, biodiversity, ecosystem functioning and conservation. The focus of my research has been the trophic ecology, ecosystem function of deep-sea habitats, especially hydrothermal vents and seamounts. My research activities have three major goals: 1) understand how ecosystems are interconnected either from the trophic point of view, either from the larvae point of view. To do that I am studying the carbon fluxes, production, trophodynamics, the role of marine snow and large organic falls on deep-sea ecosystems, by sampling the deep-sea or by using experimental colonization devices, and together with physical oceanographers, starting modelling the potential sink and source populations of key species. 2) Understanding the existing impacts and future impacts on deep-sea ecosystems, specially the potential mining impacts, fisheries and climate ones; 3) how to use permanent fix observatories to study the changing deep-sea and to contribute to the establishment of deep-sea essential biological variables that can be used to monitor the environmental status of the ocean. I am also interested in defining ecotones (areas where different habitats overlap), by using functional trait approach. I am engaged on the promotion and installation of Observatories in the deep-seafloor for the study of the marine environment; All these aspects will feed the ultimate interest which is Conservation, more precisely the sustainable use of the deep-sea environment; My current projects focus on understanding the functioning role of the Sponges; the export or organic matter from deep sea hydrothermal vents and from the surface to the bathyal environment; connectivitty among habitats and climate change response of key deep-sea vent species.