Reinforcement of Endangered Species for Reintroduction

Breeding species in controlled environments is a fundamental tool that helps to repopulate habitats

This program aims to recover threatened species in highly controlled environments, with the purpose of introducing them to their natural habitat and helping to repopulate them.

The facilities of the Oceanogràfic, and the extensive experience in animal care, provide a unique opportunity for the breeding and maintenance of species whose populations are decreasing or in danger of disappearing.

Program coordinators: José Luis Crespo, Pablo García and Andrea Spinelli

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Head-starting program in sea turtles

Sea turtles face high mortality rates in the early stages of their development, mainly after the eggs hatch.

In recent years, an increase in nesting of Caretta caretta turtles has been observed on the coasts of the Spanish Mediterranean. One hypothesis for this unusual phenomenon could be linked to the increase in temperatures on the beaches of the eastern Mediterranean, which would be driving a colonization of new areas by the turtles.

To address this situation, the head-starting project has been launched, which seeks to ensure the development of sea turtle embryos with artificial incubation in the facilities of the ARCA del Mar.

The objective of the project is for the offspring to acquire the size, weight, and skills necessary during the first year of life to increase their survival when entering the sea, thus avoiding many of their natural predators.

It should be noted that the ARCA del Mar not only receives neonates from nests in the Valencian Community, but individuals from other regions such as the Balearic Islands or Murcia have also been maintained and raised, making it a center of reference for their conservation.

The experiences carried out so far allow for great optimism, because the survival rates of these animals when entering the sea are around 90%, which means a success for the conservation of the species, given that it is estimated that, under natural conditions, only one turtle out of every thousand that are born survives its entry into the sea.
Breeding in a controlled environment of vulnerable local species

Similar to the head-starting project for sea turtles, breeding vulnerable local species in controlled centers seeks to increase survival after the eggs hatch.

In this way, it helps to reduce the high rate of predation by reintroducing the offspring to their natural environment when they have reached an adequate size.

The Oceanogràfic Foundation works with the following vulnerable species:

Mediterranean turtle (Testudo hermanii)

European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis)

Iberian ribbed newt (Pleurodeles waltl)

Samaruc (Valencia hispanica)

Loina (Parachondrostoma arrigonis)

Petxinot (Anodonta anatina and Unio mancus)

Sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus)
Satellite tracking of nesting turtles

The monitoring of nesting turtles seeks to collect information about their behavior during the breeding season.

For this, satellite devices are used that are placed on the turtles during nesting. These transmitters also allow close monitoring of their route and identification of possible additional layings.

This is essential information for scientists, as it helps to improve the detection of new nesting sites in order to protect the nests and eggs of the turtles.
Recovery of shark eggs obtained from discarded fishing

The accidental capture of pregnant female sharks causes them to end up in port along with the eggs they carry inside.

This project, in which the collaboration of the fishing sector is fundamental, aims to take advantage of the fertilized eggs and transfer them to the Oceanogràfic facilities to promote their development until they hatch.

After their birth, the offspring remain in the Oceanogràfic until they reach an adequate size to be returned to the natural environment.

This line of action allows scientists and researchers to expand knowledge about the development and early stages of life of certain species of sharks.
Recovery of seahorses

This project aims to rescue, rehabilitate, and reintroduce seahorses that are injured or trapped in fishing nets.

In this way, and following the action protocol of the Stranding Network of the Valencian Community, fishermen inform the rescue team of the Oceanogràfic Foundation of the presence of these animals, so that they can be rehabilitated in the Oceanogràfic facilities and receive the necessary treatment until their recovery.
Recovery of corals and Mediterranean invertebrates for their conservation

Corals are one of the marine organisms most affected by human activity.

This project has two main objectives: the conservation of these species and the design of action protocols for their protection.

Once again, the collaboration of the fishing sector is essential. Thanks to their warnings to the Stranding Network, the rescue personnel of the Oceanogràfic Foundation can transfer the corals to the aquarium facilities and maintain the colonies in controlled conditions during their recovery.

Once this process is complete, the corals are returned, again, to their natural habitat.