June 11, 2025
The Ranger back in the Balearic Islands
The new site surveyed is a rhodoliths bed like the ones we saw yesterday. Once again, many sponges, sea squirts, sea stars, green algae and some deep-sea kelps.
After our first ROV dive, a small swordfish was jumping close to the boat. Not far from here there is a trap fishing boat, and a few miles away a trawler. The rest of vessels in the area are sailing boats or pleasure yachts.
A bit north there is another picarels’ breeding area full of nests. The nest seems to be abandoned, not like the ones we saw before.
In the eastern part the rhodoliths continue, but with many ball sponges (Tethya spp.) that are protected species. We also found a spotted ray.
Later, we checked the deepest part at some -120 m. Still some deep coralligenous beds, but more deteriorated due to over sedimentation. Tree corals, gorgonians, fan sponges and other typical species from the deep ecosystems. While the soft bottom is a mix of sandworms, sea pens, tube anemones and brachiopods.
Last dive was again in a rhodoliths bed. At the end there was another breeding area for picarels. This time with the males protecting the nests.
During these days surveying in Mallorca, several boats approach us or called us by radio to say hello, that they know Oceana and support the surveys we are doing, and to congratulate us for our work. It is always nice to receive displays of sympathy.
Many colleagues and people from NGOs are showing their interest, but also happiness for having the Ranger back in the Balearic Islands.


