Sea bed species protection

THE environmental association Oceana, with the collaboration of La Caixa's Obra Social, has started a project of investigation into the Balearic seabeds. The objective of this investigation is to contribute to the conservation of the habitats and the protection of threatened species. According to both entities, the ship “Ocean Ranger” is in Balearic waters to make a study (which will last nearly a month) in order to identify the different biological life here. The study intends to “contribute to the knowledge of where ecosystems, habitats and protected or endangered species exist on the seabed, in order to contribute to their conservation” according to these entities. The team includes investigators, submariners, video cameramen and still photographers. Oceana has a remote controlled underwater vehicle and systems for the documentation, measurement and taking of samples.
With these devices they will try to deepen their knowledge of the places where these underwater communities live, because “their effective conservation if very difficult”.