Monitoring and Tracking of Habitats

Monitoring of local amphibian populations in the Valencian Community

Amphibians represent one of the most threatened vertebrate groups, with almost 40% of the more than 7,000 species described included in threat categories by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

The main causes of this worrying situation include habitat loss and deterioration, climate change, environmental pollution, invasive species, and disease transmission.

This line of action focuses on monitoring populations of various amphibian species at strategic points in the Valencian Community. The objective is to analyze population trends, monitor areas previously affected by high mortality rates, determine possible causes of regression, and establish responses to mortality episodes.

Rescue and health assessment of bottlenose dolphins in the Almadraba of Murcia

The aim is to work with bottlenose dolphins that accidentally enter the Almadraba of La Azohía in Murcia. This incident is used to carry out a complete evaluation of the health status of the animals, ensuring their proper handling and release. The Almadraba, a seasonal art, generally focuses on capturing pelagic species, such as bluefin tuna and smaller tunas.

Given its selectivity and proximity to the coast, only a portion of the population can be captured, allowing the release of species that are not the subject of study. Although bottlenose dolphins are occasionally found in the Almadraba nets, proper handling by Almadraba personnel minimizes the impact on these animals, which occurs rarely throughout the year.

Monitoring and census of the guitarfish in Doñana National Park and other regions of Andalusia

Giant guitarfish have become one of the most threatened marine species, with the species Glaucostegus cemiculus being especially critical in European and Mediterranean waters.

In collaboration with the Associació LAMNA, the Oceanogràfic Foundation has collected crucial data through the MECO citizen science project, identifying captures and large aggregations on the coasts of Huelva and Cádiz. A preliminary study in the Doñana Natural Park certifies its presence and provides the opportunity to investigate whether it constitutes a stable population or a crucial point for juveniles, offering hope for the future management and conservation of the species.

The objectives of this line are to evaluate the presence and population status of the giant guitarfish in Doñana waters, describe the aggregations in shallow waters during May and June, and understand the relationship between existing populations and captive specimens to plan an ex situ recovery project.

Monitoring and control of rare and invasive species

This line addresses the current challenge of the colonization of marine organisms from distant ecosystems.

Facilitated by maritime traffic and climate change, this colonization poses risks to the ecological balance by competing with native species and altering biodiversity dynamics.

The key objectives of this line of action are the identification and registration of invasive organisms, especially fish, crustaceans, and invertebrates external to the Mediterranean; developing a database of these species and studying their distribution to assess the displacement potentials of ecological niches and the risks it may pose to local biodiversity.

Citizen collaboration, particularly from fishermen, divers, and people who frequent the coasts, is essential to collect relevant observations and data.

Control of critically endangered species: Pinna nobilis and Pinna rudis

The control line for critically endangered species, such as the noble pen shell (Pinna nobilis) and its relative Pinna rudis, focuses on addressing the impact of a pathogenic protozoan that has drastically affected populations of Pinna nobilis in the Mediterranean Sea since 2016.

This mass mortality event adds to other previous threats such as pollution, fishing, and habitat degradation, leading the IUCN to list the noble pen shell as a critically endangered species.

The line of action focuses on monitoring existing populations, creating a network of observers, and identifying solutions to combat this threat.

Key objectives include studying the distribution of Pinna nobilis and Pinna rudis on the northern coast of Sicily, monitoring populations in the Capo Peloro Marine Reserve (Sicily), and continuing the “Transmediterranean Network of Noble Pen Shell Larvae Collectors” project for larval recruitment and juvenile collection actions.

These efforts are carried out in collaboration with scientific experts to design replicable and sustainable protocols for breeding and maintenance, and to assess the possible expansion of Pinna rudis in the Mediterranean.

Monitoring and care of manta rays and other marine species in key locations of the Valencian Community

This line focuses on the monitoring of fish fauna, especially manta rays (Gymnura altavela), classified as Critically Endangered in the Mediterranean by the IUCN.

This collaborative effort with the Associació LAMNA focuses on determining and evaluating the state of biodiversity in specific areas, developing visual census protocols, and proposing monitoring programs for biological communities.

In addition, the transects will be used to produce photos and videos that increase knowledge and raise awareness among citizens about the importance of respecting the marine ecosystem for its conservation.

The FAO and UNESCO support this approach at a crucial time for the care and preservation of nature.

Exploration of the deep ocean

This line aims to overcome the challenges associated with the inaccessibility and extreme conditions of the deep ocean.

Ocean exploration below 200 meters remains a challenge due to physical conditions and high economic costs.

This line of action, in collaboration with Dr. Nathan Robinson, seeks to develop precise and efficient methodologies for the exploration and imaging of ocean biodiversity.

The key objectives and phases include the definition and implementation of an imaging system adapted to the optical and adaptive conditions of the deep ocean (200-1000 meters), the development of the immersion system, and the continuous adaptation of the system to maximize its versatility and operability.