Scientific and Technical Service:

A service of the ICM-CSIC, provided by the iMARES research group (additional info)

SERVICE REQUEST FORM

The Trophic Ecology and Connectivity (TEC) service focuses on the study of trophic interactions and functional connectivity in marine ecosystems. As part of the ICM-CSIC’s scientific and technical offer, and developed by the iMARES group, TEC bridges knowledge on ecosystem structure and functionality by identifying who eats whom and how these relationships vary over time and space.

This integrative understanding enables:

  • The assessment of ecosystem vulnerability to climate and human-driven disturbances.
  • The quantification of the role of key species (including humans).
  • The prediction of future dynamics using historical and ecological data.

A comprehensive marine ecology approach

TEC applies a multi-scale perspective — both spatial and temporal — across a wide range of marine taxa: from macroinvertebrates and pelagic fish to sea turtles, seabirds and cetaceans. The knowledge generated contributes directly to marine conservation and sustainable management efforts.

The service also develops open-access databases compiling trophic interactions and movement patterns. These datasets support comparative and large-scale studies on trophic ecology and ecological connectivity, and enhance regional and global scientific cooperation.

Technical and scientific expertise

TEC offers tailored technical and scientific advice in:

  • Project design and sampling protocols (in-port and at-sea)
  • Laboratory sample processing, including:
    • Stomach content analysis
    • Stable isotope analysis (for trophic position and nutrient flows)
    • Molecular techniques such as metabarcoding (for prey detection)

It supports all laboratory stages:

  • Dissection, homogenisation, demineralisation
  • Lipid or urea extractions
  • Molecular preparation

Additionally, TEC provides guidance in data analysis and methodological selection, ensuring robust and high-quality research outcomes.

Capacity building and training

The TEC service also contributes to research training by offering theoretical and hands-on sessions on:

  • Trophic ecology and stomach content analysis
  • Biological sample processing
  • Statistical and ecological modelling

These activities support both internal and external projects and promote the professional development of early-career researchers and students.

Facilities and equipment

The TEC service is equipped with the following tools and infrastructures:

  • Dissection laboratory
  • Leica M205 C stereomicroscope
  • Calorimeter
  • Fatmeter
  • MM400 vibrating mill
  • Memmert ULE 400 oven
  • Microanalytical balance (model pending confirmation)
  • Eppendorf 5424 R centrifuge
  • Corning LSE vortex mixer
  • Open-access trophic interaction databases