The Center's Activities

Whenever requested, Porto d'Abrigo provides direct support to requests for help with live marine animals. First aid recommendations are given by telephone to the person who raises the alert. A team then travels to the location to assess the situation and provide the necessary care. Based on the initial assessment of the animal and the environmental conditions, decisions are made in collaboration with the ICNF – either to return it immediately or to transport it for rehabilitation at Porto d'Abrigo's facilities – always with the aim of giving the animals the best chance of survival and well-being.

If necessary, specimens in distress are transferred to the Porto d'Abrigo facilities for thorough clinical and behavioural assessment, with a view to their rehabilitation and future return to the wild. During rehabilitation, the animals receive continuous monitoring by Porto d'Abrigo professionals and Zoomarine veterinary services, with regard to blood parameters, weight evolution, diet and behaviour.

After confirming that the clinical, nutritional and/or behavioural rehabilitation process has been completed and that the specimen is fit to survive in the wild, Porto d'Abrigo proceeds with its return. Whenever possible and appropriate, the return takes place as close as possible to the area where the animal was rescued and where the species has an identified distribution.

The information collected on each animal is regularly made available to external researchers, constituting a unique source of scientific data that is shared globally. Although the data is collected in Portugal, its sharing has global relevance. For example, sea turtles travel long migratory routes, so the data recorded in Portuguese waters contributes significantly to international scientific research.

When necessary, Porto d'Abrigo coordinates with international rehabilitation organisations to return animals to their natural habitats.