June 8, 2008
Sálvora
Although the weather predictions said we were going to have three bad days due to strong winds, this morning is totally calm. We decide to head towards Salvora again and dive on the south side of the island, off a rock known as “piedra Pegar”.
We spot a group of common dolphins on the way (Delphinus delphis), as well as some yellow-legged gulls (Larus cachinnans) and gannets (Sula bassana) that seem to be having a fish feast as they dive head-on into the water.
The divers begin their work and film a rocky bottom with small specimens of laminarians (Laminaria digitata), large specimens of yellow encrusting sponges (Cliona celata) – some occurring together with yellow encrusting anemones (Parazoanthus axinellae), two species of soft corals (Alcyonium palmatum and A. glomeratum) or dead man’s fingers, a variety of starfish (Marthasterias glaciales, Asterias rubens, Luidia ciliaris), some red gorgonians (Leptogorgia sarmentosa), walls covered in jewel anemones (Corynactis viridis) and daisy anemones (Actinothoe sphyrodeta), etc. This place is truly impressive, very colourful.
Later on we head towards the open seas to see if we’ve solved the ROV’s problem, but we have no luck.
After spending hours trying to figure it out, we give up and head towards the Muros estuary.
Strong northeasterly winds are picking up, reaching up to 45 knots.