The birth and release of baby sharks – helping to recover endangered species
Despite their bad reputation sharks are key to a healthy and balanced ecosystem. The collaborative project “Small Sharks – Stellaris Action” aims to help recover the Balearic populations of the nursehound shark (Scyliorhinus stellaris) through a breeding and release programme.
As part of the project, 155 nursehound sharks were born in captivity from shark eggs cases which were found by local fishermen. 16 of the larger pups, measuring over 45cm, have now been released in the Cabrera National Park and more will be released in the El Toro marine reserve in the near future.
The pilot project* aims to help fragile shark populations to recover while filling knowledge gaps, raising awareness on the importance of sharks and changing the narrative about “the dangerous predator shark”. The scientists hope to use the experience gained through this pilot project to help recover more endangered shark species in the future.
A spectacular increase in biomass in Sa Dragonera marine reserve
Recent follow-up studies on marine life in the Sa Dragonera Marine Reserves indicated that, since the declaration of the marine reserve by the local government 6 years ago, the average biomass has multiplied by 7 in the deep internal waters and by 3 in the external waters which were protected a few years later.
According to The General Directorate of Fisheries and the Marine Environment, of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, these biomass values are comparable to other areas with more than 15 years of protection!
A successful forum for the “Xarxa Dragonera Blava” (Blue Dragonera Network)
On the 22nd of February, the fourth participatory event for the community around Sa Dragonera island was hosted by the Andratx City Council and led by Save the Med. Representatives from different sectors came together to network, define common goals, identify challenges and lay the foundations for a lasting collaboration with the aim of contributing to the regeneration of the area.
10.000 students have helped remove 350.000 plastic objects from local beaches
Since Save the Med launched the Dos Manos school programme, more than 10,000 students from Mallorca have joined the team to learn about plastic pollution and have helped remove and categorise more than 350,000 plastic objects from local beaches. Over 83,000 objects were removed by some 1700 student in 2022 alone.
- The Changemakers project registers 200 students
This year a new record of 70 Changemakers teams, made up of more than 200 students aged 15-18 from the Balearic Islands, signed up to the Changemakers Project. During the last months they have been developing and implementing their own ideas to raise awareness and help reduce the use of single use plastic in their communities and beyond. The participants have presented their ideas to Save the Med and in mid June, they will all get a chance to meet, talk and share their ideas during the annual Changemakers Event!
- Save The Med call out to businesses in the hospitality sector
The Plastic Free Balearics Certification Programme is launching 15 FREE certifications to help companies in Mallorca reduce single-use plastics. This unique opportunity includes the assessment of each entity’s current use of single use plastics, guidance for reducing and eliminating single use plastic products and a certification based on their level of accomplishment. This has been made possible through the “Call for the Environment” by Fundación Sa Nostra Foundation and CaixaBank, in which Plastic Free Balearics was selected for its’ work towards the protection of biodiversity, environmental innovation and circular economy. Visit plasticfreebalearics.org to find out more!
If you would like to learn more about Save the Med’s work, visit savethemed.org, follow @savethemedfoundation or get in touch via info@savethemed.org.
*The project “Small Sharks – Stellaris Action” is made possible through the collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment, Save the Med, Fundación Palma Aquarium, Shark Med, Marilles, Petites Illes del Mediterrani, Mallorca Preservation Fund, Centre de visitants del Parque Nacional de Cabrera, Balearia and the fishermen associations of Formentera and Cala Ratjada.
