Even though it sounds a bit like science fiction, working with robots is now second nature for Oceana´s marine scientists. We are talking about the ROV (underwater robot) that has been a part of our expeditions since 2006 and lets us get images such as these. Oceana was a pioneer among NGO’s in incorporating this technology.
What does this mean? Being awarded SPAMI status means that the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention have granted these places the highest possible protection within the treaty, committing to observe the protection and conservation measures that affect them. The new 7 additions to the list are:
Oceana campaigns on a permanent basis to prevent overfishing of sharks, mainly caught for their meat and fins. Products ranging from football boots, notebook covers, dietary supplements, beauty products and liver oil among others are obtained form shark by-products.
Spain is a major player in the European fishing industry (with 13% of the vessels and 15% of production) and the sustainable management of fish resources on its part could be a major influence on other EU countries.
Oceana’s expedition to the southeast Spanish coast, in the Almeria region, had an unexpected outcome. Using a submarine robot, we recorded more than 50 species along the Abubacer ridge, but one of them in particular, made quite an impression: an unidentified black coral.
It could be a species new to science and, at the moment, an investigation is underway to find out for sure if it is.
Very often here at Oceana, we are faced with the task of making recommendations when ship accidents happen and we always demand that companies immediately remove pollutants than can cause an environmental disaster.
