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June 9, 2025

Researching in Tramontana proposed Marine Reserve

 

Here we are. Researching in Tramontana proposed Marine Reserve.

The first ROV dive was in a sandy bottom with irregular sea urchins, scattered rhodoliths and brown algae (Arthrocladia villosa). We were expecting coralligenous, because a map from previous research marked as a big coralligenous patch, but we did not find it.

A bit eastern, in the second dive, we are in a maerl bed. Full of rhodoliths, sponges living on them, oysters, many deep-sea kelps and lot of sea squirts. This is a more interesting place.

Meanwhile a manta ray or devil ray (Mobula mobular) passed by close to the boat. This year there are many sightings (and strandings) of this endangered species. Maybe it was a coincidence, but we saw the devil ray when the ROV was at -66.6 m.

The third dive of the day was in a fantastic coral garden full of gorgonians, several sponges, and many soft corals, such as dead man’s fingers. This was also a breeding area for picarels. The bottom was full of fish’s nests.

Next dive is close to -100 m with large coralligenous concretions. Full of crevices where the fish are hiding. Many sponges and a few gorgonians and black corals.

And the fifth and last one was in a sandy bed with sea urchins but later was covered by rhodoliths.

And now, while sending some pictures, we are going to anchor to spend the night.