SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 20th July (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands (PLOCAN) has arranged a series of underwater exploration and biological monitoring sessions as part of citizen science in the waters surrounding the lava deltas formed during the eruption of the Tajogaite volcano in La Palma. This upcoming weekend initiative stands out for its innovative approach to citizen involvement and the use of free diving or apnea as a key tool for marine conservation.
This campaign aims to create a comprehensive inventory of the area’s biodiversity, along with an audiovisual collection of data related to the ecosystems impacted by the volcanic eruption. Joaquín Hernández, the director of PLOCAN, explained, “The sampling objective is to compile a biodiversity list of the location, resulting in a species list along with an estimate of their relative abundance in the region.” He emphasised the significance of citizen participation and the necessity to contribute to the sustainability of the region through science-based economic activities.
The initiative launch included the involvement of Miguel Ángel Morcuende, the General Director of Natural Spaces and Biodiversity at the Ministry of Ecological Transition and Energy, the body that funds the DELTA project alongside the State Secretariat for the Environment at the national level. In addition to the technical team from PLOCAN on the island and more than a dozen professional free divers, the event includes collaboration from representatives of the RedPROMAR of the Government of the Canary Islands.
The information gathered during these days of biological observation through apnea in the lava deltas formed by the Tajogaite volcano will be pivotal in understanding the recovery and development of the marine ecosystem. Morcuende stated, “This data will not only enhance scientific understanding, but it will also serve as the basis for future conservation policies and sustainable management of marine resources.” Morcuende expressed his gratitude to the free divers participating voluntarily for their contribution to advancing knowledge about life and the environment.
This campaign not only marks a significant step in marine research in the Canary Islands but also sets a precedent for future citizen science projects in ocean conservation. “PLOCAN reiterates its dedication to scientific excellence and community involvement in safeguarding our seas,” added the Director General of Natural Spaces and Biodiversity.
The campaign will involve 12 experts in free diving and species identification, with many of them being sea enthusiasts eager to collaborate with the scientific team at PLOCAN. According to the PLOCAN director and DELTA project coordinator, this collaboration between science and the community not only enriches research but also promotes greater environmental awareness among the local population.
Equipped with high-resolution underwater cameras, the divers will explore four different areas near the lava deltas and at the Don Pedro rocks as a reference point. Their mission is to capture images for a comprehensive marine biodiversity inventory in the region.
PLOCAN encourages local community involvement in marine conservation, whether it’s through responsible diving, participating in beach clean-ups, or simply sharing knowledge about the significance of marine ecosystems. “We can all be stewards of the sea and contribute to the safeguarding of our oceans and the coasts of the Canary Islands,” added the CEO of PLOCAN.
Free diving or underwater photography is a form of underwater photography during apnea, aiming to identify and photograph as many species as possible, requiring skills to visually recognise species, their habitats and behaviours.
“We have engaged top athletes from the Canary Islands and La Palma to combine their free diving expertise and local ecosystem knowledge, thereby enhancing biological monitoring with precise visual data,” explained Hernández.
According to him, the use of free diving techniques allows for observing and documenting marine life with minimal impact on the ecosystem, as it’s a non-invasive method crucial for studying sensitive environments such as those newly formed by volcanic eruptions, as concluded by the DELTA project coordinator.
