Exploring the underwater environment of Gozo and Malta the Oceana dive team comprised of (pictured left to right) Alberto Iglesias, Gorka Leclercq, Keith Ellenbogen, and Thierry Lannoy noted very little marine life juxtaposed to some of the most scenic locations. Over the next couple of days we dove the following dive sites: Gozo Island — … Read more
The island of Gozo, is part of the Maltese archipelago, and is the second largest island in Malta. Gozo has a long tradition that connects — this current modern day island with the mythical island of Olygia in Homers’s Odyssey book V. Within Homer’s fabled poem, Olygia was ruled by ‘Calypso’, a nymph, (a nymph … Read more
If only we could pull out our brain and use only our eyes.” Pablo Picasso Beneath the surface, immersed in a liquid medium at a depth of 25m/80ft in the Mediterranean Sea — looking towards the surface I watched a single bluefin tuna swimming all alone. At that moment, I felt a sense of urgency … Read more
As sure as the sun would rise, in the morning with Mediterranean Sea as smooth as glass — the purseiner fishing fleets were busy catching and caging the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna. Within 100 meters of the activity Patricia Lastra, tuna scientist as well as Gorka Leclercq, underwater videographer documented the purseiners using fishing nets. With … Read more
Under a full moon with strong winds, rough seas (category 7) and deep swells (reaching 8-12ft) the Oceana Marviva Med continue the course set by Expedition Leader, Xavier Pastor to monitor the purseiner fishing activity in the open Mediterranean Sea between Malta, Tunisia and Libya. Over the course of the last 5 days our crew … Read more
As of June 16, 2008 the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus Thynnus) fishing season has been officially closed in the Mediterranean by the European Commission due to non-compliance by member states within the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Recovery Plan. Read the European Commission Press Release Government officials, scientists and non-profit organizations have estimated that the fishing industry … Read more
At 8 am the dive team assembled for our first dive in the Mediterranean as a team. From Left to Right Keith Ellenbogen, underwater photographer; Alberto Iglesias, Diver Master; Enrique Talledo (Kike ), underwater videographer; Thierry Lannoy, Dive Master; and Carlos Perez, Operations Manager. Our dive objective was to remove fishing net that was caught … Read more
One hundred nautical miles from Malta, last night we anchored in calm waters adjacent Isla Pantelleria. This defining features of the island are beautiful steep vertical cliffs and a strong angular landscape. With a half moon visible in the clear skies, expedition leader Xavier Pastor asked the dive team to prepare our equipment for a … Read more
After approximately 36 hours of rough seas and traveling 400 nautical miles we entered the unusually calm Sicilian Sea. A sailors trivia: a nautical mile referrers to one minute of latitude (1/60) of arch, along the Earth’s meridian (line of longitude). One nautical mile = 1,852 meters or 1.15 miles. Of equal interest the speed … Read more
Early this morning with grayish blue skies predominant wind changed direction and is now blowing from the North. With the force of the winds the sea condition changed from calm to moderate/rough. Now swelling with some force (5 -8 ft), the sea swayed the boat, the people and all the equipment from side to side. … 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.
