The PPGOB currently has a single area of concentration (“Biological Oceanography”), with three lines of research:

1) Estuarine and coastal oceanography
This line aims to develop research into estuarine and coastal ecosystems in a comprehensive manner, seeking to investigate biodiversity, ecological processes, and interactions between organisms and the environment. The study of the ecosystems of the Lagoa dos Patos estuary and adjacent marine coast (ELPA) is the main focus of this line of research. In addition, studies on anthropogenic impacts and climate change on these environments and their biodiversity, which can subsidize conservation strategies, are also objectives of this line.

2) Ocean, deep-sea and polar ecosystems
This line of research focuses on ocean ecosystems, including the middle and outer continental shelf, the continental slope and the deep sea. Research within this line encompasses biodiversity, ecological processes and environmental impacts of anthropogenic origin, including climate change. The line also covers the polar regions, which are environments characterized by a unique combination of extreme factors that shape their biodiversity and ecological processes associated with simplified trophic webs that are extremely efficient but not very resilient. Research aimed at a comprehensive understanding of the influence of environmental and anthropogenic factors, considering global climate change, on the functioning of ecosystems in these regions, including the flows of matter and energy, the dynamics and interactions of their populations, is the main motivation of this line.

3) Applied Oceanography
This line of research covers investigations aimed at obtaining theoretical and practical knowledge about the oceans in order to solve concrete problems and promote the sustainable use of marine and coastal resources. The line focuses on scientific research and technological development that addresses environmental, economic and social issues related to marine environments. Thus, studies on pollution and its mitigation, management of fisheries resources and aquaculture, bioremediation, bioprospecting and development of marine products are included in this line.