OPECAM Field Unit

The Field Operations Unit (OPECAM) was set up to provide support to the many research activities carried out by the ICMAN in the natural environment, requiring field trips to obtain a myriad of samples from, for example, water, atmosphere, sediments and biota. The Unit currently consists of two technicians specialized in environmental sampling, sub-aqua activities, sailing and handling of instruments. Given the high degree of specialization, the activities carried out by the OPECAM unit are of crucial importance to the successful implementation of many of the research projects carried out not only by the ICMAN but also by other CSIC institutes and collaborating universities.

• Collection of biological samples (plankton, crustaceans, fishes, bivalves, cnidarians, etc.) along the coastal strip.
• Underwater activities for sample collection and installation of sub-aquatic equipment (e.g. current meters, sediment traps, etc.).
• Handling of vessels.
• Technical support for activities aboard ships during oceanographic campaigns, of physical (e.g. CTD, hydrographic parameters), chemical (e.g. sampling of nutrients and trace metals in the water column) and biological (e.g. collection of plankton and fishing) nature.
• Manipulation and treatment of samples, and technical support in the laboratory.

The OPECAM unit is an external service that can be hired by groups from ICMAN, OPIS, Universities and Companies. For more information, visit to https://opecam.csic.es