Next-Generation Technology Built for the Sagres Community

The sea has always been part of life in the Algarve. Fishermen, families and coastal communities have long understood its rhythm, its changes and its silence. Today, however, these waters are under growing pressure from pollution and wider environmental change, highlighting the need to deepen our understanding of marine microorganisms to support sustainable harvesting and protect the natural balance of this unique region.

OceanPulse was created as a community-driven response — combining inspiration, local knowledge and emerging technology to reveal what lies hidden within the sea in real time. More than a monitoring system, it is a new generation of coastal innovation designed to share live environmental intelligence supporting fishing, tourism, research, public services and environmental protection.

Informal discussions have already taken place with Docapesca. Following further engagement, it is hoped that a fixed-term public demonstration will enable the local community, researchers, visitors and maritime stakeholders to experience and evaluate live ocean and environmental telemetry.

Subject to the outcomes of this phase, a subsequent LoRa mesh network connecting the Port with Martinhal and the wider Sagres area will explore microscopic marine plant-life detection and hydrophone sensing, including lightweight on-site interpretation of acoustic signals, while supporting the longer-term vision of an environmental intelligence microfactory and innovation hub in Sagres.

Our ultimate aim is to journey together, bringing progress to Sagres and positioning the region as a reference site for next-generation maritime innovation and discovery.