The Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR) is a non-profit organisation located on the Gambelas campus of the University of Algarve and dedicated to R&D in the Marine Sciences. CCMAR fields of expertise cover molecular biology, genetics, endocrinology, biophysics, organic chemistry and ecology of marine organisms. R&D and training activities have been applied to the development of aquaculture, biotechnology and environmental technologies for the study and management of marine resources and ecosystems. CCMAR plays an active role in the dissemination of marine sciences and best practices in schools, local communities and industry. CCMAR features facilities for investigating marine biological systems at various levels, serving as infrastructure for students and scientists from universities and institutes throughout Europe. CCMAR is part of European initiatives providing user access to special facilities and biological models.