An overview is proposed of the hexactinellid sponge fauna of the Mediterranean Sea, including the description of a new species of Sympagella, S. delauzei sp. nov., collected by ROV during the exploration of deep-sea canyons of the NW Mediterranean and of deep banks and seamounts of the Alboran Sea. The type species of Sympagella, S. … Read more
For thousands of years, the Gulf of Cádiz has been known for its ecological importance, as seen in ancient clasical texts mentioning the abundance of its fisheries and the presence of numerous animal species. From the fantastic stories of Strabo, who defined tuna as the “pigs of the sea” because they would feed off the … Read more
The international marine conservation organization’s research catamaran, the Oceana Ranger, in collaboration with Fundación Biodiversidad, has just finished an expedition in Palma de Mallorca. The odyssey lasted almost three months, of which the last two weeks were spent in the Balearic Islands. Oceana has discovered many of the most threatened ecosystems of the Mediterranean among … Read more
Oceana is proposing the creation of a new marine protected area in Andalusia that would extend the number of protected hectares off Doñana National Park and nearby waters from 4,000 to 80,000. The international marine conservation organization, now in its forth year in the area and in collaborating with Fundación Biodiversidad, has found endangered species … Read more
Deep-sea coral reefs have already disappeared from most of the Mediterranean. Oceana has discovered large colonies of white coral and a wealth of associated fauna in Spanish waters of the Alboran Sea (Western Mediterranean), with greater abundance at depths between 300 and 500 meters. The finding took place during the 2010 expedition of the research … Read more
Today began with preparations for the crossing: last minute shopping, paying the bills, returning the keys to the toilets and showers – and taking the last normal shower for seven days:-) The plan for the coming week is to work with the ROV at Seco de Palos, 30 miles east of Cabo de Palos. It … Read more
A day off. The day after the World Cup final. Nothing was a dream. Spain is World Champion! Holland lost yet another final 🙁 Yesterday we celebrated together, just as we promised – no matter who won. A day off. It sounds great. It was great. But it didn´t mean no work had to be … Read more
The first stage of the Oceana Ranger 2010 expedition is to study the Seco de los Olivos seamount, also known as Banco the Chella. This important marine area is located off the south-east of Spain and is home to an astonishing variety of species and habitats, including cetaceans, corals, gorgonians and even rare carnivorous sponges. … Read more
The Oceana Ranger 2010 Expedition focuses on Western Mediterranean, where Oceana intends to research marine areas of ecological interest that need to be protected. Thanks to an ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle), it is possible to film at depths up to 3,000 feet in order to assess the importance of these zones, the species living in … Read more
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We have already protected nearly 4 million square miles of ocean and innumerable sea life - but there is still more to be done.
Oceana in Europe gratefully acknowledges EU funding support.
