Underwater photography and citizen science for marine conservation

On May 2 and 3, 2025, the University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), in collaboration with the MARE Project – Audiovisual Contest for the Conservation of the Balearic Sea and Observadores del Mar, organized a free workshop to introduce underwater photography to the student community and promote active participation in marine conservation.

On Friday, May 2, the Sa Riera building hosted a theoretical session that explored the power of imagery in science and art, the importance of citizen science, and presented the MARE Project and the Observadores del Mar platform.

On Saturday, May 3, at Cala Comtessa (Illetes), participants engaged in a snorkeling photography session, where they captured underwater images using waterproof cameras provided by OM-System and learned to identify marine species with the help of educational materials.

Biologist and technical diver Iván Ruiz, a UIB alumnus, sea observer, and winner of the 2024 MARE Animalia Amateur award, led a journey through the history of underwater photography and encouraged participants to join both the MARE contest and the Observadores del Mar platform.

“Photography allows us to reveal what would otherwise remain hidden, to highlight the richness of the Balearic Sea and make its threats visible. We must understand the opportunities photography brings to science—not just as an accompaniment or illustration, but as a tool in itself,” stated the MARE team.

For their part, Observadores del Mar emphasized the key role of imagery in their work: “Photography and the participation of hundreds of volunteers have enabled us to quickly detect the emergence and distribution of invasive or endangered species.”

The event had 25 participants and stood out for the high level of engagement and interest shown by attendees. It highlighted the value of photography as a tool for showcasing the richness and fragility of the Balearic Sea, as well as its usefulness for collaborative research projects and environmental awareness.

This workshop forms part of UIB’s commitment to bringing scientific knowledge and environmental culture closer to society, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).