Science and photography come together to discover Menorca’s marine biodiversity

A dive at La Llosa reveals the richness of a marine reserve that has been protected for more than 25 years and highlights the importance of identifying and protecting marine climate shelters.

MARE and Observadores del Mar, with the collaboration of DivingMenorca, have organised a photography and conservation event at La Llosa, in the Northern Menorca Marine Reserve. The activity brought together nine participants, including both science professionals and underwater photography enthusiasts, with the aim of sharing knowledge, documenting biodiversity and contributing to the protection of the marine environment.

The initiative brings together two complementary perspectives: that of those who study marine ecosystems and that of those who observe and photograph them. This encounter helps draw attention to species and processes of particular interest for conservation, while also generating images that can bring the underwater world closer to society.

The dive took place in an area that has been protected for more than 25 years. During the dive, participants observed an abundance of commercially important species, including groupers, meagre wrasse and amberjack, as well as vulnerable species such as noble pen shells (Pinna nobilis), the coral Cladocora caespitosa and white gorgonian.

Alongside this richness, signs of recent mortality were also observed in sponges and bryozoans, which could be related to elevated water temperatures. These observations highlight the importance of continuing to monitor marine ecosystems, including within protected areas, in order to understand how they are changing and detect shifts in their conservation status.

Although it was not possible to access the deeper area originally planned, the dive at La Llosa provided an opportunity to share observations on biodiversity and the pressures affecting the seabed.

In this context, María Elena Cefalide, from the Jaume Ferrer Research Station (GOIB-IEO-CSIC), highlighted the importance of locating and monitoring marine climate refugia, areas that may provide more favourable conditions for the survival of species affected by ocean warming. Identifying and monitoring these areas can help guide conservation efforts in the face of climate change.

The photographs taken during the event will be compiled for potential use in outreach and conservation activities. Selected images will be used for these purposes on a non-commercial basis, with full credit always given to their authors.

The collaboration between MARE and Observadores del Mar aims to ensure that the experience of divers and photographers contributes to our knowledge of the marine environment and raises awareness of the need to protect it. Engagement with the scientific community helps participants understand what to look for, why it matters and how their observations can contribute to future monitoring and conservation efforts.

The initiative therefore continues MARE’s “from the lens to action” approach, creating opportunities for underwater photography to become a meaningful contribution to marine conservation.

The positive response to the event was reflected in the interest shown by several participants in joining future dives and continuing to collaborate. This enthusiasm opens the door to expanding the initiative and strengthening a responsible diving community in Menorca, connected to science and committed to conservation.

MARE and Observadores del Mar aim to continue creating opportunities to come together, where enjoying the sea, learning and contributing images and observations can all form part of the same experience.