Vigo, Spain, September 2 - 4, 2026
Welcome to iMarCo 2026: Connectivity across water realms for ecosystem resilience
Vigo, España, 2 - 4 Septiembre 2026
In an increasingly interconnected world, understanding the connectivity between marine and river ecosystems becomes essential for the conservation of our water resources and environmental sustainability. The i-MarCo International Congress 2026 is dedicated to exploring the complex interactions between rivers, seas, and oceans, and their impact on global biodiversity.
This event brings together scientists, researchers, government authorities, and experts from various disciplines to exchange knowledge and foster constructive dialogue on best practices for preserving these vital ecosystems. Through presentations, panel discussions, and collaborative activities, the congress seeks to generate innovative and practical solutions to improve ecological connectivity, mitigate the effects of climate change, and promote integrated sustainable management policies.
Deadlines!
New deadline! Abstract submission
Confirmation of participation
Early registration
Submission of posters for printing
Workshop inscription
Regular inscription
Where
Vigo Museum of Contemporary Art
When
September 2 to 4, 2026
Registration opening
You can register from January 15, 2026. Check all the information and register in our REGISTRATION section
Keynote talks
Audrey M. Darnaude (MARBEC, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, Montpellier, France)
Marine biodiversity and biosphere functioning: current knowledge and research challenges regarding marine functional connectivity to improve the management of ecosystems at the land-sea interface.
Jesse O’Hanley (University of Kent, United Kingdom)
Planning and optimisation of river connectivity for environmental management
Esben Moland Olsen (Institute of Marine Research, Flødevigen Research Station, Arendal, Norway)
Fish movement patterns, ecological connectivity and the conservation of functional diversity in coastal systems
Anna M. Addamo (Department of Integrative Marine Ecology – Genoa Marine Centre, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Italy)
Connected by change: building climate-resilient ecological networks for Europe’s future
Workshop: Marine Functional Connectivity in a Changing Climate: past, ongoing & future trends
Katell Guizien — CNRS-Sorbonne Université, LECOB, Banyuls-sur-mer, Francia
Climate change is transforming the ocean far beyond sea level: temperature, pH, oxygen, stratification, and salinity are all changing — and all of this affects Marine Functional Connectivity (MFC). Following an initial brainstorming session at the 7th IMarCo (2024), this second edition brings together modelers, observers, and experimentalists to address how combined changes in ocean variables affect MFC.
Workshop objectives:
- Build a state-of-the-art synthesis based on contributions from the attendees themselves
- Identify the key questions connecting ocean variables and functional connectivity
- Reflect on whether current climate prediction products are suitable for projecting these changes
One of the expected outcomes is the co-authorship of a benchmark review on best practices for predicting Marine Functional Connectivity in a changing climate — a foundation for future large-scale collaborative projects.