It’s a little hard to be a marine regeneration organisation if you can’t get out to sea…
In 2014, a 7.5m RHIB was kindly donated to Save the Med Foundation, allowing this community-based organisation to pursue its conservation goals. The boat was grandiosely named Research Vessel Ondine (after Asociación Ondine, Save the Med’s original name).
Save the Med started when current president Brad Robertson joined forces with marine biologist Biel Morey to start a research programme for sting rays in the Delta area, a breeding ground for the species. Biel’s passion for elasmobranchs (sharks, skates and rays) has led him to dedicate much of his professional efforts to their research and conservation. Since 2003, he has been a member of the IUCN Shark Specialist Group, and has contributed in assessing species for the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
10 years later and the growing team at Save the Med are more active than ever, using the RV Ondine for a variety of jobs, from monitoring fish biomass in Dragonera, to supporting educational expeditions, and both tagging and studying beautiful yet elusive Spinetail Devil Rays. The RV Ondine frequently finds itself in the deep crystalline waters around Cabrera or off the Northern point of Formentor.
In September 2017, the RV Ondine was part of a mass clear up of abandoned fishing nets in the Dragonera area, ahead of the Marine Protected Area that surrounds the island being expanded. Along with the Bonnie Lass and other local NGOs, huge old nets were floated and dragged up from the sea to be bought ashore.
Save the Med have also joined forces with local NGO Shark Med to capture rare footage of sharks found in the waters around Mallorca. The team motor out to sea to deploy an amazing tool known as the ‘Shark Bruv’ – a video camera and motion sensor cleverly attached to solar panels and a surfboard. This allows them to collect evidence of the presence of apex predators such as blue sharks – critically important for a healthy marine environment and a good key indicator to the health of an ecosystem. Sadly, the species are in decline, making these projects all the more important.
The RV Ondine is at sea throughout the year, connecting people, projects, and places. It makes the sea an accessible place for scientists, ecologists, students, government representatives, reporters, and the entire hard-working team at Save the Med.
So here is the crux of today’s article. The RV Ondine’s engine has died beyond repair. Save the Med are urgently in need of a new, reliable motor to keep their projects afloat!
With this QR code you can help by making a donation towards the cost of new engine (every €1 helps!) Help to save the RV Ondine and be part of this amazing community of people caring for our environment and helping us in turn to Save the Med.
