https://fuerteventura.click/ Thu, 30 Apr 2026 14:00:47 +0000 MyBB https://fuerteventura.click/Thread-Canary-Islands-set-for-spectacular-night-sky-display-with-four-meteor-showers Sat, 21 Jun 2025 09:39:00 +0000 Johnrgby]]> https://fuerteventura.click/Thread-Canary-Islands-set-for-spectacular-night-sky-display-with-four-meteor-showers June, no fewer than four meteor showers will coincide: the Tau Cetids, Scutids, Rho Sagittarids and the June Bootids.

Although each of these showers typically produces low or irregular activity, their simultaneous appearance makes this one of the most dynamic nights in the astronomical Calendar.

The Bootids, radiating from the constellation Boötes, home to the bright star Arcturus, are particularly unpredictable, with rates varying widely from zero to as many as 100 meteors per hour.

The other showers contribute more modest numbers: the Tau Cetids, originating from the constellation Cetus, usually offer around four meteors per hour; the Scutids, with a mere two, emanate from the faint and hard-to-spot constellation Scutum; and the Rho Sagittarids radiate from Sagittarius, rounding out this quadruple display.

Adding to the spectacle, the event will coincide with a conjunction between the Moon and Mercury, visible in the early hours of the same day.

How and When to Observe the Meteor Showers in the Canary Islands

The meteor showers will be active from 22nd June to 2nd July, with the peak expected during the early hours of 27th June. In the Canary Islands, the optimal viewing time is around 4:00am, when the radiant point of the Bootids remains above the horizon.

No telescopes or binoculars are required to enjoy the display. For the best experience, observers are advised to:

Move away from urban areas to avoid light pollution.
Choose a dark, clear location with an unobstructed view of the sky.
Lie back or recline, looking towards the northeast.
Avoid observing when the Moon is high, as its brightness can diminish the visibility of fainter meteors.
More Showers at the End of the Month

The end of June will bring further, albeit low-activity, meteor showers. On 29th June, three additional showers — the Beta Taurids, Phi Ophiuchids and Tau Aquarids — will occur, each producing around two meteors per hour. Some of these may be visible during daylight hours, making them more challenging to observe.

Favourable Weather conditions across the Canary Islands could significantly enhance visibility for what promises to be a rare and diverse astronomical event.]]> June, no fewer than four meteor showers will coincide: the Tau Cetids, Scutids, Rho Sagittarids and the June Bootids.

Although each of these showers typically produces low or irregular activity, their simultaneous appearance makes this one of the most dynamic nights in the astronomical Calendar.

The Bootids, radiating from the constellation Boötes, home to the bright star Arcturus, are particularly unpredictable, with rates varying widely from zero to as many as 100 meteors per hour.

The other showers contribute more modest numbers: the Tau Cetids, originating from the constellation Cetus, usually offer around four meteors per hour; the Scutids, with a mere two, emanate from the faint and hard-to-spot constellation Scutum; and the Rho Sagittarids radiate from Sagittarius, rounding out this quadruple display.

Adding to the spectacle, the event will coincide with a conjunction between the Moon and Mercury, visible in the early hours of the same day.

How and When to Observe the Meteor Showers in the Canary Islands

The meteor showers will be active from 22nd June to 2nd July, with the peak expected during the early hours of 27th June. In the Canary Islands, the optimal viewing time is around 4:00am, when the radiant point of the Bootids remains above the horizon.

No telescopes or binoculars are required to enjoy the display. For the best experience, observers are advised to:

Move away from urban areas to avoid light pollution.
Choose a dark, clear location with an unobstructed view of the sky.
Lie back or recline, looking towards the northeast.
Avoid observing when the Moon is high, as its brightness can diminish the visibility of fainter meteors.
More Showers at the End of the Month

The end of June will bring further, albeit low-activity, meteor showers. On 29th June, three additional showers — the Beta Taurids, Phi Ophiuchids and Tau Aquarids — will occur, each producing around two meteors per hour. Some of these may be visible during daylight hours, making them more challenging to observe.

Favourable Weather conditions across the Canary Islands could significantly enhance visibility for what promises to be a rare and diverse astronomical event.]]> https://fuerteventura.click/Thread-Free-Trees-plants-4-5-6-June Wed, 29 May 2024 16:26:41 +0000 Captain Sensible]]> https://fuerteventura.click/Thread-Free-Trees-plants-4-5-6-June
In this way, the Environment area, headed by Carlos Rodríguez, will distribute some 5,000 specimens of plant species in the nursery of the La Oliva Biological Station. Each interested person may withdraw up to five copies, with delivery hours from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., on June 4, 5, and 6. They must come in person with their ID.

Species of carob, almácigo, dragon tree, spice tree, granillero, guaydil, jorjao, lavender, Canarian palm, peralillo, broom, Canarian juniper, sweet tabaiba and tedera will be distributed.]]>
In this way, the Environment area, headed by Carlos Rodríguez, will distribute some 5,000 specimens of plant species in the nursery of the La Oliva Biological Station. Each interested person may withdraw up to five copies, with delivery hours from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., on June 4, 5, and 6. They must come in person with their ID.

Species of carob, almácigo, dragon tree, spice tree, granillero, guaydil, jorjao, lavender, Canarian palm, peralillo, broom, Canarian juniper, sweet tabaiba and tedera will be distributed.]]> https://fuerteventura.click/Thread-The-Cabildo-of-Fuerteventura-presents-its-own-allegations-to-offshore-wind Mon, 25 Mar 2024 19:55:00 +0000 TamaraEnLaPlaya]]> https://fuerteventura.click/Thread-The-Cabildo-of-Fuerteventura-presents-its-own-allegations-to-offshore-wind
The Cabildo of Fuerteventura presents its own allegations to offshore wind.

The Island Corporation requires that wind turbines do not invade areas of Biosphere Reserves, SPAs, SACs and places of community interest



Contrary to what Councillor Zapata had said this morning in relation to the unity of voice of the Canary Islands in terms of offshore wind, the Cabildo of Fuerteventura states in a press release "that it has presented allegations to the decree of the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge of last February 26, which regulates the production of electricity in facilities located at sea. In this way, the Island Corporation demands that wind turbines must not invade core and buffer areas of the Biosphere Reserve, Natura 2000 Network or are adjacent. In addition, the implementation of electricity production in the marine environment must be implemented outside the limits of Special Protection Areas for Birds (SPAs), Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Sites of Community Interest (SCIs) and highly sensitive areas of those species under special protection and the Spanish catalogue of threatened species. Other territories at risk for endangered species such as the great bustard, the guirre or the shearwater must also be taken into account."



Likewise, the Island Corporation reiterates its rejection of the Maritime Spaces Management Plan (POEM) approved by the Ministry, which defines six areas of high potential for offshore wind energy in Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Tenerife, and which scientific experts and fishermen's associations have defined as an attack on the fishing sector of the Archipelago and the conservation of the marine environment of the islands.

The Cabildo warns that almost half of the area proposed for the Canary Islands (561 square kilometres) falls on Fuerteventura. More than 192 square kilometers off the coasts of Tuineje and Antigua, and another area of 16.15 kilometers that extends east of the coast of Puerto del Rosario.



The island's president, Lola García, points out that "it was the Majorera brotherhoods that were the first to sound the alarm against a planning in which, as is often the case, we are the worst off island in terms of extension". "In addition, the established areas fall into the main fishing ground, on which 80% of the income from the fishing activity of Fuerteventura depends. For this reason, from the Cabildo we are always going to defend biodiversity and artisanal fishing in Fuerteventura".



The Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Matías Peña, has denounced that "what they are doing with Fuerteventura is not justice and from the institutions we will always be on the side of the fishermen to try to stop this attack on our traditional fishing activity that is the livelihood of many families, as well as our natural resources".]]>
The Cabildo of Fuerteventura presents its own allegations to offshore wind.

The Island Corporation requires that wind turbines do not invade areas of Biosphere Reserves, SPAs, SACs and places of community interest



Contrary to what Councillor Zapata had said this morning in relation to the unity of voice of the Canary Islands in terms of offshore wind, the Cabildo of Fuerteventura states in a press release "that it has presented allegations to the decree of the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge of last February 26, which regulates the production of electricity in facilities located at sea. In this way, the Island Corporation demands that wind turbines must not invade core and buffer areas of the Biosphere Reserve, Natura 2000 Network or are adjacent. In addition, the implementation of electricity production in the marine environment must be implemented outside the limits of Special Protection Areas for Birds (SPAs), Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Sites of Community Interest (SCIs) and highly sensitive areas of those species under special protection and the Spanish catalogue of threatened species. Other territories at risk for endangered species such as the great bustard, the guirre or the shearwater must also be taken into account."



Likewise, the Island Corporation reiterates its rejection of the Maritime Spaces Management Plan (POEM) approved by the Ministry, which defines six areas of high potential for offshore wind energy in Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Tenerife, and which scientific experts and fishermen's associations have defined as an attack on the fishing sector of the Archipelago and the conservation of the marine environment of the islands.

The Cabildo warns that almost half of the area proposed for the Canary Islands (561 square kilometres) falls on Fuerteventura. More than 192 square kilometers off the coasts of Tuineje and Antigua, and another area of 16.15 kilometers that extends east of the coast of Puerto del Rosario.



The island's president, Lola García, points out that "it was the Majorera brotherhoods that were the first to sound the alarm against a planning in which, as is often the case, we are the worst off island in terms of extension". "In addition, the established areas fall into the main fishing ground, on which 80% of the income from the fishing activity of Fuerteventura depends. For this reason, from the Cabildo we are always going to defend biodiversity and artisanal fishing in Fuerteventura".



The Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Matías Peña, has denounced that "what they are doing with Fuerteventura is not justice and from the institutions we will always be on the side of the fishermen to try to stop this attack on our traditional fishing activity that is the livelihood of many families, as well as our natural resources".]]> https://fuerteventura.click/Thread-Air-Quality-Laboratory Mon, 04 Mar 2024 21:38:07 +0000 TamaraEnLaPlaya]]> https://fuerteventura.click/Thread-Air-Quality-Laboratory
The Canary Islands Air Quality Laboratory is now operating in Fuerteventura.

The infrastructure will detect the levels of haze on one of the islands most affected by these phenomena

Fuerteventura already has a facility that detects aerosols and haze from desert dust that comes to us from the African continent with increasing regularity. The new infrastructure came into operation this past week and depends on a project that began on the islands at the end of last year.



The Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), under the Ministry of Science and Innovation, and the Government of the Canary Islands, through the Ministry of Ecological Transition, Fight against Climate Change and Territorial Planning, signed an agreement in 2023 for an Air Quality Laboratory in the Canary Islands, which will study aerosols and desert dust haze.



The project has funding of €2.6 million for the entire archipelago. The part of the infrastructure oriented to the analysis of samples will be located in the facilities of the Institute of Natural Products and Agrobiology (IPNA-CSIC), while the observation stations will be located in strategic places of the archipelago, in this case Fuerteventura has its own.



Air quality has become a problem of global concern, affecting health, ecosystems and the climate. Annually, ambient air pollution (outdoor) causes three hundred thousand deaths in Europe and four million deaths worldwide, mainly due to respiratory, cardiovascular and cancer diseases, and aerosols, or suspended particles, are the pollutant that causes the highest number of deaths.

These aerosols, once emitted (by numerous sources, such as fires, cars, ships or industry), remain floating in the ambient air in the form of respirable particles, such as PM10 (size less than 10 microns), PM2.5 (size less than 10 microns) or ultrafine particles (size less than 0.1 microns).



Concerns about air quality are on the rise. Just over a year ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) published the new global air quality guidelines, while at the end of 2022 the European Commission proposed, just over a month ago, to revise the European air quality directives. Both documents propose reducing the levels of particulate matter in ambient air with the aim of improving air quality and reducing the number of deaths due to pollution.



"The new infrastructure created thanks to the agreement between the CSIC and the Government of the Canary Islands will allow us to know the origin and chemical composition of the particles that are breathed in the ambient air of the archipelago," says Sergio Rodríguez, scientific director of the Air Quality Laboratory of the Canary Islands and researcher at the IPNA-CSIC.



"It will quantify how much emissions from cars, ships, industrial production and desert dust haze contribute to the levels of PM10 and PM2.5 particles in the ambient air of the Canary Islands.



In addition, it will be determined how much of this pollution originates in the Canary Islands and how much comes from surrounding regions, since the desert dust haze is mixed with pollutants (sulphate, organic aerosols and a cocktail of metals, among others) emitted by the North African industry," he adds.



Desert dust haze will be one of the main topics of study in the new laboratory. The variability of the composition of desert dust and other aerosols that reach the Canary Islands will be studied. The infrastructure will also have the capacity to analyse aerosols emitted in future volcanic eruptions, providing a rapid response to air quality crises such as the one experienced in La Palma. "The Canary Islands is the region of the European Union where the highest levels of suspended particles are reached, and it is not due to local pollution, hence the need for this infrastructure," says the researcher.



"Climate variability and climate change are influencing the overall circulation of the atmosphere and thus the patterns and intensity of Saharan desert dust Events. In recent years, the Canary Islands have been affected by extreme atmospheric phenomena, in 2002, 2020, 2022 and February 2023, when extremely high concentrations of respirable PM10 particles have been reached, with average daily values above 1,800 μg/m3, concentrations well above the 45 mg/m3 recommended by the WHO as the maximum exposure limit.]]>
The Canary Islands Air Quality Laboratory is now operating in Fuerteventura.

The infrastructure will detect the levels of haze on one of the islands most affected by these phenomena

Fuerteventura already has a facility that detects aerosols and haze from desert dust that comes to us from the African continent with increasing regularity. The new infrastructure came into operation this past week and depends on a project that began on the islands at the end of last year.



The Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), under the Ministry of Science and Innovation, and the Government of the Canary Islands, through the Ministry of Ecological Transition, Fight against Climate Change and Territorial Planning, signed an agreement in 2023 for an Air Quality Laboratory in the Canary Islands, which will study aerosols and desert dust haze.



The project has funding of €2.6 million for the entire archipelago. The part of the infrastructure oriented to the analysis of samples will be located in the facilities of the Institute of Natural Products and Agrobiology (IPNA-CSIC), while the observation stations will be located in strategic places of the archipelago, in this case Fuerteventura has its own.



Air quality has become a problem of global concern, affecting health, ecosystems and the climate. Annually, ambient air pollution (outdoor) causes three hundred thousand deaths in Europe and four million deaths worldwide, mainly due to respiratory, cardiovascular and cancer diseases, and aerosols, or suspended particles, are the pollutant that causes the highest number of deaths.

These aerosols, once emitted (by numerous sources, such as fires, cars, ships or industry), remain floating in the ambient air in the form of respirable particles, such as PM10 (size less than 10 microns), PM2.5 (size less than 10 microns) or ultrafine particles (size less than 0.1 microns).



Concerns about air quality are on the rise. Just over a year ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) published the new global air quality guidelines, while at the end of 2022 the European Commission proposed, just over a month ago, to revise the European air quality directives. Both documents propose reducing the levels of particulate matter in ambient air with the aim of improving air quality and reducing the number of deaths due to pollution.



"The new infrastructure created thanks to the agreement between the CSIC and the Government of the Canary Islands will allow us to know the origin and chemical composition of the particles that are breathed in the ambient air of the archipelago," says Sergio Rodríguez, scientific director of the Air Quality Laboratory of the Canary Islands and researcher at the IPNA-CSIC.



"It will quantify how much emissions from cars, ships, industrial production and desert dust haze contribute to the levels of PM10 and PM2.5 particles in the ambient air of the Canary Islands.



In addition, it will be determined how much of this pollution originates in the Canary Islands and how much comes from surrounding regions, since the desert dust haze is mixed with pollutants (sulphate, organic aerosols and a cocktail of metals, among others) emitted by the North African industry," he adds.



Desert dust haze will be one of the main topics of study in the new laboratory. The variability of the composition of desert dust and other aerosols that reach the Canary Islands will be studied. The infrastructure will also have the capacity to analyse aerosols emitted in future volcanic eruptions, providing a rapid response to air quality crises such as the one experienced in La Palma. "The Canary Islands is the region of the European Union where the highest levels of suspended particles are reached, and it is not due to local pollution, hence the need for this infrastructure," says the researcher.



"Climate variability and climate change are influencing the overall circulation of the atmosphere and thus the patterns and intensity of Saharan desert dust Events. In recent years, the Canary Islands have been affected by extreme atmospheric phenomena, in 2002, 2020, 2022 and February 2023, when extremely high concentrations of respirable PM10 particles have been reached, with average daily values above 1,800 μg/m3, concentrations well above the 45 mg/m3 recommended by the WHO as the maximum exposure limit.]]> https://fuerteventura.click/Thread-Urgent-summit-due-to-the-extreme-drought Sat, 02 Mar 2024 19:36:42 +0000 TamaraEnLaPlaya]]> https://fuerteventura.click/Thread-Urgent-summit-due-to-the-extreme-drought
Councils and city councils summoned to an urgent summit due to the extreme drought.

The Deputy Ministry of Water will meet with them on the 11th in Las Palmas to agree on savings measures and promote desalination projects


The island of Tenerife declared a water emergency yesterday and so will other councils in the Canary Islands, as have municipalities such as Fasnia and Arico, or Vallehermoso and Hermigua, in La Gomera. The driest autumn and winter in living memory in this century and much of the previous one has left the aquifers practically dry and the reservoirs barely reach 40% of their capacity, figures typical of summer and not of these dates, when in Tenerife, for example, the reservoirs are usually above 72% of their storage capacity.


Faced with this water situation, the Deputy Ministry of Water of the Government of the Canary Islands, led by Marcos Lorenzo, former mayor of Tijarafe, has convened a meeting for March 11 with the representatives of the cabildos, island water councils and town councils of the Islands to try to agree on measures to save both water for human consumption and irrigation. at the same time to know the momentum of the desalination plants that are planned.]]>
Councils and city councils summoned to an urgent summit due to the extreme drought.

The Deputy Ministry of Water will meet with them on the 11th in Las Palmas to agree on savings measures and promote desalination projects


The island of Tenerife declared a water emergency yesterday and so will other councils in the Canary Islands, as have municipalities such as Fasnia and Arico, or Vallehermoso and Hermigua, in La Gomera. The driest autumn and winter in living memory in this century and much of the previous one has left the aquifers practically dry and the reservoirs barely reach 40% of their capacity, figures typical of summer and not of these dates, when in Tenerife, for example, the reservoirs are usually above 72% of their storage capacity.


Faced with this water situation, the Deputy Ministry of Water of the Government of the Canary Islands, led by Marcos Lorenzo, former mayor of Tijarafe, has convened a meeting for March 11 with the representatives of the cabildos, island water councils and town councils of the Islands to try to agree on measures to save both water for human consumption and irrigation. at the same time to know the momentum of the desalination plants that are planned.]]> https://fuerteventura.click/Thread-Trails-Ravines-closed-due-to-bird-breeding-season Thu, 15 Feb 2024 19:48:09 +0000 TamaraEnLaPlaya]]> https://fuerteventura.click/Thread-Trails-Ravines-closed-due-to-bird-breeding-season Radio Sintonia:

Nine trails and ravines in Fuerteventura closed due to the bird breeding season.

The Ministry of Environment and Hunting, headed by Carlos Rodríguez, has closed a total of nine spaces, including sections of trails and ravines, on the island to protect protected species during their nesting period. This measure, which will be in force from February 15 to July 31, coincides with the bird breeding period on the island. Closed sections include Morro Francisco, La Muda, Malpaís de la Arena, Rosa de Tinojay, Barranco de Los Molinos, Barranco de La Muley, Caldera de Gairía, Barranco de La Torre and Caldera de Los Arrabales.



In this way, the Environment Department has worked on the restoration of the signs that indicate the closed trails, urging respect for these measures to protect the various species that nest in Fuerteventura.

The councillor, Carlos Rodríguez, highlighted the importance of respecting the existing signage to promote the reproduction and conservation of these species. In addition, he noted the possibility of expanding the list of closed trails if some species occupy new territories to breed.

For this reason, the island corporation asks the general public to respect the regulations while reminding them of the importance of using the designated trails within the Fuerteventura Trail Network, maintaining silence in these areas, controlling pets and refraining from circulating with vehicles cross-country. In addition to the closed trails, there are many birds that nest in plains and could be affected.]]> Radio Sintonia:

Nine trails and ravines in Fuerteventura closed due to the bird breeding season.

The Ministry of Environment and Hunting, headed by Carlos Rodríguez, has closed a total of nine spaces, including sections of trails and ravines, on the island to protect protected species during their nesting period. This measure, which will be in force from February 15 to July 31, coincides with the bird breeding period on the island. Closed sections include Morro Francisco, La Muda, Malpaís de la Arena, Rosa de Tinojay, Barranco de Los Molinos, Barranco de La Muley, Caldera de Gairía, Barranco de La Torre and Caldera de Los Arrabales.



In this way, the Environment Department has worked on the restoration of the signs that indicate the closed trails, urging respect for these measures to protect the various species that nest in Fuerteventura.

The councillor, Carlos Rodríguez, highlighted the importance of respecting the existing signage to promote the reproduction and conservation of these species. In addition, he noted the possibility of expanding the list of closed trails if some species occupy new territories to breed.

For this reason, the island corporation asks the general public to respect the regulations while reminding them of the importance of using the designated trails within the Fuerteventura Trail Network, maintaining silence in these areas, controlling pets and refraining from circulating with vehicles cross-country. In addition to the closed trails, there are many birds that nest in plains and could be affected.]]> https://fuerteventura.click/Thread-Majorero-macaw-Lapas Mon, 05 Feb 2024 20:44:55 +0000 TamaraEnLaPlaya]]> https://fuerteventura.click/Thread-Majorero-macaw-Lapas
The university wants to save the Majorera macaw (lapas).

It is a Macaronesian endemism that is now undergoing a genetic study to improve its conservation status


The University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has completed a genetic study of the populations of the Patella Candei complex in Fuerteventura based on DNA samples obtained from the tissues and DNA of the species.



In order to find solutions to avoid the loss of their populations, located on the island, the entity has carried out this phylogenetic study, the result of which aims to guide the appropriate recovery measures for the species.



The research has discovered that there are obvious genetic differences between the populations located in Fuerteventura and those located in the Savage Islands.



For this reason, the entity concludes that the measures for the recovery of the species in Fuerteventura should not be carried out with repopulations of specimens from other islands, but through the reproduction of seeds with individuals from the island's own population.



The Majorera macaw (Patella candei) is a historical, traditional and endemic resource of the biodiversity of the Canary Islands. It is a Macaronesian endemism that in the Canary Islands is a traditional fishing resource and whose populations have decreased to the point of being reduced to a specific area of Fuerteventura.



In fact, its listing as "endangered" is compounded by the lack of consensus on its taxonomy and range. At present, the various morphometric, meristic, and molecular approaches have not allowed a consensus about the significant evolutionary units that would make up the Patella candei complex.



According to the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the management and conservation of this organism inevitably requires the clarification of its phylogenetic and taxonomic position, and the estimation of genetic diversity throughout the distribution range of its populations. Likewise, the analysis of a reduced representation of its genome will provide the highly resolute markers (SNPs) required to resolve these fundamental and critical questions in the implementation of initiatives for the conservation of the species.



The general objective of the project has been to evaluate the taxonomy and genetic diversity in the endemic Majorera macaw based on genomic data for advice on the conservation of this endangered species.



The specific objectives have been as follows:



Manage the entity's Patella candei tissue and DNA bank to provide the DNA samples required for genomic analysis



Sequence a reduced representation of the genome of Patella candei.



To analyze the relationships between Macaronesian populations from the Azores to Cape Verde from Patella candei.



Implement the conclusions on taxonomy and structure of genetic diversity in Patella candei populations in a management and conservation plan for the resource.

In this way, the SNPs4candei project has carried out the genetic study of the populations of the Patella candei complex from DNA samples obtained from the tissues and DNA of the species, available in the Macaronesian Marine Gene Bank BANGEMAC of the BioMol Laboratory of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Genetic sequencing was carried out after selecting 70 DNA samples from four ddRAD libraries plus one control library, with a group of 20 individuals per library. Subsequently, thanks to a principal component analysis (PCA), it has been possible to represent the genetic separation between the two subspecies of Patella candei: Patella candei candei and Patella candei crenata.



In this way, the phylogenetic results obtained for Patella candei candei and derived from the dendrogram and cluster analysis, show that there are evident genetic differences between the populations of this subspecies located in Fuerteventura and the populations of the same subspecies located in the Savage Islands. For this reason, the entity concludes that the recovery measures of the subspecies in Fuerteventura should not be carried out with repopulations of specimens from other Macaronesian islands, in particular, from the Savage Islands, since their execution could have a negative impact on the genetic biodiversity of the taxon.



In short, the entity has managed to clarify the taxonomic and phylogenetic position of the Patella candei complex, by demonstrating that there are genetic differences and divergences between the populations of Fuerteventura and the Savage Islands. For this reason, the entity has proposed to establish specific measures for the management of the resource in Fuerteventura, based on genomic results, based on the system of seed reproduction with individuals from the island's own population to ensure the restoration of their populations in the marine ecosystem of the Canary Islands. This action has been considered a priority and has been agreed upon by the participants of the interdisciplinary and institutional workshop organized within the framework of the project and in which both researchers and technical staff from the competent administrations have collaborated.



Finally, the results of the project have been transferred to the Ministry of Ecological Transition, Fight against Climate Change and Territorial Planning of the Government of the Canary Islands and to the Tenerife Territorial Centre of the Spanish Oceanographic Institute (IEO) through an executive report, as well as to the scientific community through a poster presented at the AQUI 2021 Forum, specialized in marine resources, and the publication of two scientific articles in specialized press.

link to article for pics]]>
The university wants to save the Majorera macaw (lapas).

It is a Macaronesian endemism that is now undergoing a genetic study to improve its conservation status


The University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has completed a genetic study of the populations of the Patella Candei complex in Fuerteventura based on DNA samples obtained from the tissues and DNA of the species.



In order to find solutions to avoid the loss of their populations, located on the island, the entity has carried out this phylogenetic study, the result of which aims to guide the appropriate recovery measures for the species.



The research has discovered that there are obvious genetic differences between the populations located in Fuerteventura and those located in the Savage Islands.



For this reason, the entity concludes that the measures for the recovery of the species in Fuerteventura should not be carried out with repopulations of specimens from other islands, but through the reproduction of seeds with individuals from the island's own population.



The Majorera macaw (Patella candei) is a historical, traditional and endemic resource of the biodiversity of the Canary Islands. It is a Macaronesian endemism that in the Canary Islands is a traditional fishing resource and whose populations have decreased to the point of being reduced to a specific area of Fuerteventura.



In fact, its listing as "endangered" is compounded by the lack of consensus on its taxonomy and range. At present, the various morphometric, meristic, and molecular approaches have not allowed a consensus about the significant evolutionary units that would make up the Patella candei complex.



According to the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the management and conservation of this organism inevitably requires the clarification of its phylogenetic and taxonomic position, and the estimation of genetic diversity throughout the distribution range of its populations. Likewise, the analysis of a reduced representation of its genome will provide the highly resolute markers (SNPs) required to resolve these fundamental and critical questions in the implementation of initiatives for the conservation of the species.



The general objective of the project has been to evaluate the taxonomy and genetic diversity in the endemic Majorera macaw based on genomic data for advice on the conservation of this endangered species.



The specific objectives have been as follows:



Manage the entity's Patella candei tissue and DNA bank to provide the DNA samples required for genomic analysis



Sequence a reduced representation of the genome of Patella candei.



To analyze the relationships between Macaronesian populations from the Azores to Cape Verde from Patella candei.



Implement the conclusions on taxonomy and structure of genetic diversity in Patella candei populations in a management and conservation plan for the resource.

In this way, the SNPs4candei project has carried out the genetic study of the populations of the Patella candei complex from DNA samples obtained from the tissues and DNA of the species, available in the Macaronesian Marine Gene Bank BANGEMAC of the BioMol Laboratory of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Genetic sequencing was carried out after selecting 70 DNA samples from four ddRAD libraries plus one control library, with a group of 20 individuals per library. Subsequently, thanks to a principal component analysis (PCA), it has been possible to represent the genetic separation between the two subspecies of Patella candei: Patella candei candei and Patella candei crenata.



In this way, the phylogenetic results obtained for Patella candei candei and derived from the dendrogram and cluster analysis, show that there are evident genetic differences between the populations of this subspecies located in Fuerteventura and the populations of the same subspecies located in the Savage Islands. For this reason, the entity concludes that the recovery measures of the subspecies in Fuerteventura should not be carried out with repopulations of specimens from other Macaronesian islands, in particular, from the Savage Islands, since their execution could have a negative impact on the genetic biodiversity of the taxon.



In short, the entity has managed to clarify the taxonomic and phylogenetic position of the Patella candei complex, by demonstrating that there are genetic differences and divergences between the populations of Fuerteventura and the Savage Islands. For this reason, the entity has proposed to establish specific measures for the management of the resource in Fuerteventura, based on genomic results, based on the system of seed reproduction with individuals from the island's own population to ensure the restoration of their populations in the marine ecosystem of the Canary Islands. This action has been considered a priority and has been agreed upon by the participants of the interdisciplinary and institutional workshop organized within the framework of the project and in which both researchers and technical staff from the competent administrations have collaborated.



Finally, the results of the project have been transferred to the Ministry of Ecological Transition, Fight against Climate Change and Territorial Planning of the Government of the Canary Islands and to the Tenerife Territorial Centre of the Spanish Oceanographic Institute (IEO) through an executive report, as well as to the scientific community through a poster presented at the AQUI 2021 Forum, specialized in marine resources, and the publication of two scientific articles in specialized press.

link to article for pics]]> https://fuerteventura.click/Thread-A-disoriented-angelshark-rescued-in-the-marina-of-Castillo-Caleta-de-Fuste Wed, 31 Jan 2024 19:46:31 +0000 TamaraEnLaPlaya]]> https://fuerteventura.click/Thread-A-disoriented-angelshark-rescued-in-the-marina-of-Castillo-Caleta-de-Fuste Radio Sintonia:

A disoriented angelshark rescued in the marina of Castillo-Caleta de Fuste.

The SEPRONA of Fuerteventura recovered, on the 16th, an angelshark that was hitting the stones of the marina of Castillo-Caleta de Fuste, the animal was disoriented, but without visible injury, in the municipality of Antigua.



The Civil Guard required the help of professional fishermen, managing to remove the specimen from the dock in apparently good conditions with proper handling and following the guide of good practices. All this, despite the difficulty presented by the obstacles of the marina, such as pontoons and poor visibility, as the Events occurred at night.

For all these reasons, the wildlife collection service (Gesplan) and the Environment agents of the Cabildo de Fuerteventura are informed of the finding, for their knowledge and to ensure fluid coordination between the institutions involved in the conservation of safeguarding the future of the Angelshark that is in critical danger.

The intervention had the collaboration of two professional fishermen and the security guard of the port facility.

It is a protected animal, which is listed as Critically Endangered in the Red List of Threatened Species of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and is also currently included in the List of Wild Species under Special Protection and in the Spanish Catalogue of Threatened Species as "in danger of extinction"

link to article for pic]]> Radio Sintonia:

A disoriented angelshark rescued in the marina of Castillo-Caleta de Fuste.

The SEPRONA of Fuerteventura recovered, on the 16th, an angelshark that was hitting the stones of the marina of Castillo-Caleta de Fuste, the animal was disoriented, but without visible injury, in the municipality of Antigua.



The Civil Guard required the help of professional fishermen, managing to remove the specimen from the dock in apparently good conditions with proper handling and following the guide of good practices. All this, despite the difficulty presented by the obstacles of the marina, such as pontoons and poor visibility, as the Events occurred at night.

For all these reasons, the wildlife collection service (Gesplan) and the Environment agents of the Cabildo de Fuerteventura are informed of the finding, for their knowledge and to ensure fluid coordination between the institutions involved in the conservation of safeguarding the future of the Angelshark that is in critical danger.

The intervention had the collaboration of two professional fishermen and the security guard of the port facility.

It is a protected animal, which is listed as Critically Endangered in the Red List of Threatened Species of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and is also currently included in the List of Wild Species under Special Protection and in the Spanish Catalogue of Threatened Species as "in danger of extinction"

link to article for pic]]> https://fuerteventura.click/Thread-Angel-Shark-killed Thu, 25 Jan 2024 19:12:49 +0000 TamaraEnLaPlaya]]> https://fuerteventura.click/Thread-Angel-Shark-killed Radio Sintonia:

A man investigated in Fuerteventura as the alleged perpetrator of a crime of fishing a protected species, angelshark or angel shark.

On January 11, 2024, the SEPRONA of Fuerteventura investigated a 37-year-old person for a crime of fishing and capture of a threatened species; specifically, for the fishing of an angelshark shark and causing a perforating injury with active bleeding and dying shortly after, in the municipality of La Oliva (Las Palmas)



Knowledge of the facts

The Civil Guard of the Main Post of Corralejo became aware of the facts on December 31, 2023, which is why the proceedings are transferred to SEPRONA and the appropriate investigation is initiated, as well as taking statements from witnesses that allow the identity of the alleged perpetrator to be known, being a male Italian nationality and resident on the island of Lanzarote.

Development of the facts

The Events occurred on December 31, 2023, when the aforementioned man entered the water with a spearfishing rifle and captured a specimen of angelshark shark, after sticking the harpoon in its head. The Events occurred on the beach of Jablito, La Oliva (Las Palmas) and the specimen of Squatina squatina was transferred to the Wildlife Recovery Center of the Biological Station of La Oliva, presenting a perforating lesion with active hemorrhage and dying shortly after.

It is a protected animal, which is listed as Critically Endangered in the Red List of Threatened Species of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and is also currently included in the List of Wild Species under Special Protection and in the Spanish Catalogue of Threatened Species as "in danger of extinction".

It is worth highlighting the collaboration of SEPRONA of the Civil Guard of Timanfaya (Lanzarote) and citizens present at the site.

link to article for stock pic]]> Radio Sintonia:

A man investigated in Fuerteventura as the alleged perpetrator of a crime of fishing a protected species, angelshark or angel shark.

On January 11, 2024, the SEPRONA of Fuerteventura investigated a 37-year-old person for a crime of fishing and capture of a threatened species; specifically, for the fishing of an angelshark shark and causing a perforating injury with active bleeding and dying shortly after, in the municipality of La Oliva (Las Palmas)



Knowledge of the facts

The Civil Guard of the Main Post of Corralejo became aware of the facts on December 31, 2023, which is why the proceedings are transferred to SEPRONA and the appropriate investigation is initiated, as well as taking statements from witnesses that allow the identity of the alleged perpetrator to be known, being a male Italian nationality and resident on the island of Lanzarote.

Development of the facts

The Events occurred on December 31, 2023, when the aforementioned man entered the water with a spearfishing rifle and captured a specimen of angelshark shark, after sticking the harpoon in its head. The Events occurred on the beach of Jablito, La Oliva (Las Palmas) and the specimen of Squatina squatina was transferred to the Wildlife Recovery Center of the Biological Station of La Oliva, presenting a perforating lesion with active hemorrhage and dying shortly after.

It is a protected animal, which is listed as Critically Endangered in the Red List of Threatened Species of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and is also currently included in the List of Wild Species under Special Protection and in the Spanish Catalogue of Threatened Species as "in danger of extinction".

It is worth highlighting the collaboration of SEPRONA of the Civil Guard of Timanfaya (Lanzarote) and citizens present at the site.

link to article for stock pic]]> https://fuerteventura.click/Thread-Fuerteventura-rehabilitates-hundreds-of-gavias-dams-to-retain-water Tue, 23 Jan 2024 20:05:05 +0000 TamaraEnLaPlaya]]> https://fuerteventura.click/Thread-Fuerteventura-rehabilitates-hundreds-of-gavias-dams-to-retain-water
Fuerteventura rehabilitates hundreds of gavias, dams to retain water.

The objective of the Island Hydrological Plan with this type of works is to increase the infiltration of rainfall into the aquifer and improve the quality of the groundwater masses

The rains arrived on the island in the final stretch of 2023, however, the feeling of the Majorero population was that most of the rainwater "went to the sea", despite the fact that some ponds and gavias were flooded. From Diario de Fuerteventura we analyze this phenomenon and we see that it is not as true as it seems.

Certainly, it has been observed that, after the rains, a lot of water is directed towards the sea as in the rest of the continent, but we can see that in Fuerteventura firm steps are being taken to alleviate desertification and retain rainwater, in ponds and rainfed dams that have a persistent drought.

The Insular Water Council reports that the Insular Hydrological Plan has contemplated, for several years, works on rainfed dams of different sizes, given that there are more than a thousand on the island. Most of them have a capacity of between 75,000 and 10,000 cubic meters, although there are dams of up to one million cubic meters. The Council has to comply with the environmental objectives set out in the Management Plan in accordance with the Water Framework Directive (WFD).

For years, Fuerteventura has been pursuing not only that surface water, when it rains, stays in the territory, in greater quantity and for as long as possible through systems of gavias and ponds, but also a second consequence derived from this action: increasing infiltration into the aquifer. "If water is injected, it contributes to improving the quality of groundwater bodies," sums up the manager of the Insular Water Council, Domingo Montañez.

The Fuerteventura Hydrological Plan reflects that groundwater bodies have "poor quality", among other reasons due to the risk of nitrate contamination and high salinity. "What we try to do is to keep rainwater on the ground for as long as possible so that it can infiltrate, take advantage of it through ponds or reservoirs and prevent it from going into the sea." This phenomenon is linked to another problem, such as the loss of territory due to soil erosion.

"The priority is to act in those areas that intercept the natural drainage network, that is, in those dry dams of loose materials that are intercepting public or private channels of great magnitude to recover them because some have a life of more than 40 years and have become terrified, reducing their storage capacity and desired function," sums up the manager of the Insular Water Council.

For this reason, the Cabildo undertakes works to clean the ponds, but they were carried out in the past without following the technical criteria. There is now a regulation that states that essential issues, such as safety and drainage capacity, must be addressed. Many of these dam slopes do not meet the technical conditions and are also being reinforced. In terms of their drainage capacity, many dams do not have the flood flow required by law. The objectives are to recover the initial reservoir capacity, improve its safety and drainage conditions in order to enhance its functionality.

The Hydrological Plan proposes rationing and sustainable management of water resources. "We carry out studies and act according to the flow rate so that the investment is in line with reality," says the manager. The Insular Water Council also acts in the feeding of the system of traditional gavias that allow the accumulation of more than 300 cubic meters of liquid element.

Steps are being taken to mitigate desertification and retain rainwater

The latest works carried out by the Insular Water Council have been carried out in dry dams in Tarajalejo and another two in the Barranco de Cardón, with a capacity of about 50,000 cubic metres, which have been cleaned for reuse. Another one that has overflowed in recent years after the rains and that has recently been renovated is located in the Barranco de la Muley, within the municipality of Puerto del Rosario.

Another objective of these actions is the use of rainwater for the agricultural sector. To receive supply from these dams, a permit from the Insular Water Council is needed because they are works in the public hydraulic domain and to be able to use it authorization for irrigation is required, but the reservoir water could be captured directly through a pipe. However, the indirect benefit of improving groundwater quality has been observed. "Curiously, when it rains, the water table levels of the wells (shallow, between nine and 30 meters) that are in the vicinity of these rainfed dams rise, since the wells are fed by the filtering dams and recharged from the aquifer in the area."

Island Hydrological Plan

For his part, the island councillor for Waters of Fuerteventura, Adargoma Hernández, announces that an attempt will be made to definitively approve the third cycle of the Fuerteventura Hydrological Plan at the end of the first quarter of 2024. An essential document for the use and conservation of water in Fuerteventura, which includes a series of actions that will increase the flow for the activity of the primary sector and recover the cultivation area that existed in Fuerteventura. "It includes actions to act on riverbeds, reservoirs and other exploitation systems."

He then reiterates that "the Cabildo and the Insular Water Council carry out work for the arrangement of the systems for the use of surface waters on the island". Hernández points out that "in Fuerteventura there are more than 1,100 catchments between ponds, marshes and dams, covering an area of more than 3.2 million square metres, which translates into more than 330 hectares".

Hernández details that these tasks are carried out in cooperation with the area of Works and Machinery of the Cabildo, for the cleaning and optimization of the different systems that are distributed throughout the island territory, "giving preference to those that are located on land of public hydraulic domain or that intercept the territorial drainage network". In this way, the aim is to "recover its reservoir capacity, both for rainwater harvesting and for aquifer recharge," he insists.

Las Peñitas Dam

One of the historical works of the State is the Las Peñitas dam, built during the Franco era. A very characteristic reservoir in Fuerteventura for its materials, its trachyte masonry wall, in the central ravine of the island.

The reform project proposed by the Island Water Council includes an intermediate action between the maintenance of the ecosystem of flora and fauna and capturing groundwater with a work of emptying part of the sludge that has completely covered the dam, which is abandoned and currently unused. An initial project of more than three million euros in three phases, which is at a standstill. To put the dam into operation, the channel would be narrowed, the reeds and invasive flora would be eliminated and part of the protected tamarisk trees would be transplanted to another area. An unknown work that has many detractors.

Los Molinos Dam

For its part, the Los Molinos dam always has water and has never overflowed. With a capacity for two million cubic meters of water, it must be cleaned because it has a lot of water in the reservoir, it has springs that drain into the dam and are saline so they spoil the quality of the water in the dam. It also has a small volume of water, it is also open and what it collects evaporates quickly, but it is a very attractive and visited wetland.

The dam once fed the rural town of Las Parcelas, which was built with a network of water pipes surrounding the houses, built between gavias that were cultivated in the 1960s, and generated a flourishing agricultural activity in the area.]]>
Fuerteventura rehabilitates hundreds of gavias, dams to retain water.

The objective of the Island Hydrological Plan with this type of works is to increase the infiltration of rainfall into the aquifer and improve the quality of the groundwater masses

The rains arrived on the island in the final stretch of 2023, however, the feeling of the Majorero population was that most of the rainwater "went to the sea", despite the fact that some ponds and gavias were flooded. From Diario de Fuerteventura we analyze this phenomenon and we see that it is not as true as it seems.

Certainly, it has been observed that, after the rains, a lot of water is directed towards the sea as in the rest of the continent, but we can see that in Fuerteventura firm steps are being taken to alleviate desertification and retain rainwater, in ponds and rainfed dams that have a persistent drought.

The Insular Water Council reports that the Insular Hydrological Plan has contemplated, for several years, works on rainfed dams of different sizes, given that there are more than a thousand on the island. Most of them have a capacity of between 75,000 and 10,000 cubic meters, although there are dams of up to one million cubic meters. The Council has to comply with the environmental objectives set out in the Management Plan in accordance with the Water Framework Directive (WFD).

For years, Fuerteventura has been pursuing not only that surface water, when it rains, stays in the territory, in greater quantity and for as long as possible through systems of gavias and ponds, but also a second consequence derived from this action: increasing infiltration into the aquifer. "If water is injected, it contributes to improving the quality of groundwater bodies," sums up the manager of the Insular Water Council, Domingo Montañez.

The Fuerteventura Hydrological Plan reflects that groundwater bodies have "poor quality", among other reasons due to the risk of nitrate contamination and high salinity. "What we try to do is to keep rainwater on the ground for as long as possible so that it can infiltrate, take advantage of it through ponds or reservoirs and prevent it from going into the sea." This phenomenon is linked to another problem, such as the loss of territory due to soil erosion.

"The priority is to act in those areas that intercept the natural drainage network, that is, in those dry dams of loose materials that are intercepting public or private channels of great magnitude to recover them because some have a life of more than 40 years and have become terrified, reducing their storage capacity and desired function," sums up the manager of the Insular Water Council.

For this reason, the Cabildo undertakes works to clean the ponds, but they were carried out in the past without following the technical criteria. There is now a regulation that states that essential issues, such as safety and drainage capacity, must be addressed. Many of these dam slopes do not meet the technical conditions and are also being reinforced. In terms of their drainage capacity, many dams do not have the flood flow required by law. The objectives are to recover the initial reservoir capacity, improve its safety and drainage conditions in order to enhance its functionality.

The Hydrological Plan proposes rationing and sustainable management of water resources. "We carry out studies and act according to the flow rate so that the investment is in line with reality," says the manager. The Insular Water Council also acts in the feeding of the system of traditional gavias that allow the accumulation of more than 300 cubic meters of liquid element.

Steps are being taken to mitigate desertification and retain rainwater

The latest works carried out by the Insular Water Council have been carried out in dry dams in Tarajalejo and another two in the Barranco de Cardón, with a capacity of about 50,000 cubic metres, which have been cleaned for reuse. Another one that has overflowed in recent years after the rains and that has recently been renovated is located in the Barranco de la Muley, within the municipality of Puerto del Rosario.

Another objective of these actions is the use of rainwater for the agricultural sector. To receive supply from these dams, a permit from the Insular Water Council is needed because they are works in the public hydraulic domain and to be able to use it authorization for irrigation is required, but the reservoir water could be captured directly through a pipe. However, the indirect benefit of improving groundwater quality has been observed. "Curiously, when it rains, the water table levels of the wells (shallow, between nine and 30 meters) that are in the vicinity of these rainfed dams rise, since the wells are fed by the filtering dams and recharged from the aquifer in the area."

Island Hydrological Plan

For his part, the island councillor for Waters of Fuerteventura, Adargoma Hernández, announces that an attempt will be made to definitively approve the third cycle of the Fuerteventura Hydrological Plan at the end of the first quarter of 2024. An essential document for the use and conservation of water in Fuerteventura, which includes a series of actions that will increase the flow for the activity of the primary sector and recover the cultivation area that existed in Fuerteventura. "It includes actions to act on riverbeds, reservoirs and other exploitation systems."

He then reiterates that "the Cabildo and the Insular Water Council carry out work for the arrangement of the systems for the use of surface waters on the island". Hernández points out that "in Fuerteventura there are more than 1,100 catchments between ponds, marshes and dams, covering an area of more than 3.2 million square metres, which translates into more than 330 hectares".

Hernández details that these tasks are carried out in cooperation with the area of Works and Machinery of the Cabildo, for the cleaning and optimization of the different systems that are distributed throughout the island territory, "giving preference to those that are located on land of public hydraulic domain or that intercept the territorial drainage network". In this way, the aim is to "recover its reservoir capacity, both for rainwater harvesting and for aquifer recharge," he insists.

Las Peñitas Dam

One of the historical works of the State is the Las Peñitas dam, built during the Franco era. A very characteristic reservoir in Fuerteventura for its materials, its trachyte masonry wall, in the central ravine of the island.

The reform project proposed by the Island Water Council includes an intermediate action between the maintenance of the ecosystem of flora and fauna and capturing groundwater with a work of emptying part of the sludge that has completely covered the dam, which is abandoned and currently unused. An initial project of more than three million euros in three phases, which is at a standstill. To put the dam into operation, the channel would be narrowed, the reeds and invasive flora would be eliminated and part of the protected tamarisk trees would be transplanted to another area. An unknown work that has many detractors.

Los Molinos Dam

For its part, the Los Molinos dam always has water and has never overflowed. With a capacity for two million cubic meters of water, it must be cleaned because it has a lot of water in the reservoir, it has springs that drain into the dam and are saline so they spoil the quality of the water in the dam. It also has a small volume of water, it is also open and what it collects evaporates quickly, but it is a very attractive and visited wetland.

The dam once fed the rural town of Las Parcelas, which was built with a network of water pipes surrounding the houses, built between gavias that were cultivated in the 1960s, and generated a flourishing agricultural activity in the area.]]> https://fuerteventura.click/Thread-The-year-212-Atlantic-Puffins-died-in-Fuerteventura Sat, 20 Jan 2024 17:29:07 +0000 TamaraEnLaPlaya]]> https://fuerteventura.click/Thread-The-year-212-Atlantic-Puffins-died-in-Fuerteventura
The year 212 Atlantic Puffins died in Fuerteventura.

The Cabildo attends to more than 840 specimens of injured wildlife in 2023



NEWSROOMFUERTEVENTURA


Although everything points to the storms that occurred in the normal breeding area of these birds, which caused them to move them south and fall from exhaustion when they arrived on the islands, it is still not known for sure what was the reason for the high mortality of Atlantic Puffins in the Canary Islands this past 2023.



In this sense and on the other side of the coin, the friendlier, more than840 specimens of injured fauna have been cared for in 2023 by the Cabildo de Fuerteventura, a record figure in the number of attentions to various local species compared to recent years. This represents an increase in citizen collaboration, as well as better coordination with the different island administrations.



In total, 442 injured specimens were taken to the La Oliva Biological Station, for care at the Wildlife Recovery Center and subsequent release. Most of the birds of different types have been recorded, with the entry of 406 specimens of more than forty different species, the Cory's shearwater being the most numerous, followed by the yellow-legged gull and, at a greater distance, the common kestrel and Atlantic puffin.



In addition, 26 loggerhead turtles (caretta caretta) were received, which, after the first interventions, were later transferred to the Sea Turtle Recovery and Conservation Center located in Morro Jable.



The work of the veterinarians and caretakers of this enclosure is to provide food, shelter and medical care to injured, sick or orphaned animals in order to rehabilitate them and return them to their natural environment. Likewise, the placement of GPS devices on turtles and identification rings on birds for their monitoring is implemented.



According to data collected by technicians and operators of the Environment, the main causes of admission are traffic accidents or collisions on the road, collisions on power lines and malnutrition.



In addition, 402 specimens of injured fauna were admitted lifeless to the Recovery Center. Studies were carried out to help with the conservation of the species, such as necropsies, biometric data collection and collection of biological samples. This work is carried out in collaboration with the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the ULPGC and the University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA).

Among the species found dead, birds stand out, with 354 specimens, including 212 Atlantic puffins and 41 cinnamon shelducks, as well as ten cetaceans, among which three common dolphins, a pilot whale, two pygmy sperm whales, two striped dolphins, two Atlantic spotted dolphins and three Cuvier's beaked whales have been found.



The Minister of the Environment, Carlos Rodríguez, highlights the relevance of this work in the conservation of local biodiversity. In addition, it underlines the importance of citizen collaboration in the protection of wildlife, as well as the need to work together to preserve the natural wealth of Fuerteventura. In this sense, La Oliva has registered the highest number of fauna specimens with 167 animals injured or injured for their recovery. It is followed by Puerto del Rosario with 124 and Pájara with 86. In the case of Antigua, Tuineje and Betancuria, 37, 20 and 5 specimens were made available to the centre, respectively.

link to article for pic]]>
The year 212 Atlantic Puffins died in Fuerteventura.

The Cabildo attends to more than 840 specimens of injured wildlife in 2023



NEWSROOMFUERTEVENTURA


Although everything points to the storms that occurred in the normal breeding area of these birds, which caused them to move them south and fall from exhaustion when they arrived on the islands, it is still not known for sure what was the reason for the high mortality of Atlantic Puffins in the Canary Islands this past 2023.



In this sense and on the other side of the coin, the friendlier, more than840 specimens of injured fauna have been cared for in 2023 by the Cabildo de Fuerteventura, a record figure in the number of attentions to various local species compared to recent years. This represents an increase in citizen collaboration, as well as better coordination with the different island administrations.



In total, 442 injured specimens were taken to the La Oliva Biological Station, for care at the Wildlife Recovery Center and subsequent release. Most of the birds of different types have been recorded, with the entry of 406 specimens of more than forty different species, the Cory's shearwater being the most numerous, followed by the yellow-legged gull and, at a greater distance, the common kestrel and Atlantic puffin.



In addition, 26 loggerhead turtles (caretta caretta) were received, which, after the first interventions, were later transferred to the Sea Turtle Recovery and Conservation Center located in Morro Jable.



The work of the veterinarians and caretakers of this enclosure is to provide food, shelter and medical care to injured, sick or orphaned animals in order to rehabilitate them and return them to their natural environment. Likewise, the placement of GPS devices on turtles and identification rings on birds for their monitoring is implemented.



According to data collected by technicians and operators of the Environment, the main causes of admission are traffic accidents or collisions on the road, collisions on power lines and malnutrition.



In addition, 402 specimens of injured fauna were admitted lifeless to the Recovery Center. Studies were carried out to help with the conservation of the species, such as necropsies, biometric data collection and collection of biological samples. This work is carried out in collaboration with the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the ULPGC and the University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA).

Among the species found dead, birds stand out, with 354 specimens, including 212 Atlantic puffins and 41 cinnamon shelducks, as well as ten cetaceans, among which three common dolphins, a pilot whale, two pygmy sperm whales, two striped dolphins, two Atlantic spotted dolphins and three Cuvier's beaked whales have been found.



The Minister of the Environment, Carlos Rodríguez, highlights the relevance of this work in the conservation of local biodiversity. In addition, it underlines the importance of citizen collaboration in the protection of wildlife, as well as the need to work together to preserve the natural wealth of Fuerteventura. In this sense, La Oliva has registered the highest number of fauna specimens with 167 animals injured or injured for their recovery. It is followed by Puerto del Rosario with 124 and Pájara with 86. In the case of Antigua, Tuineje and Betancuria, 37, 20 and 5 specimens were made available to the centre, respectively.

link to article for pic]]> https://fuerteventura.click/Thread-Antigua-recovers-the-natural-source-of-the-Tacha-Blanca-area Wed, 17 Jan 2024 19:43:17 +0000 TamaraEnLaPlaya]]> https://fuerteventura.click/Thread-Antigua-recovers-the-natural-source-of-the-Tacha-Blanca-area
Antigua recovers the natural source of the Tacha Blanca area.

The use of this space dates back to before the year 1600 in public records



NEWSROOMFUERTEVENTURA


Antigua from the Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries recovers the natural source of the Tacha Blanca picnic area, which dates in the public records from before the year 1600. In this sense, the improvement of stone walls, conditioning of the pond, cleaning of the picnic area, are some of the actions carried out in Tacha Blanca, along with the recovery of the Natural Fountain.



One of the landmarks in the history of the Municipality of Antigua and the island of Fuerteventura is Tacha Blanca as a rest area today for hikers, neighbours and school excursions, and since ancient times, also as a watering hole for animals, being the protagonist of this privileged corner, its natural source, explains the mayor, Matías Peña, who invites everyone to visit this space. whose use and exploitation dates back to before the year 1,600.



The Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries of the City of Antigua has promoted a recovery action coordinated by the councilor, Fernando Estupiñán.

The objective has been to recover and beautify this space, as well as to rescue the Natural Fountain by facilitating the return to emanate the water that the animals need, and adds the councilor, also used and collected in the pond of this public space that can be enjoyed by groups of friends or family of its barbecue area, its cobbled walls of rest and its views and a unique environment.



Almond, fig or carob trees are found in its forest, in addition to the presence of hoopoes, pigeons, crows, partridges, eagles or rabbits, among some of the wild species.

link to article for great pics!]]>
Antigua recovers the natural source of the Tacha Blanca area.

The use of this space dates back to before the year 1600 in public records



NEWSROOMFUERTEVENTURA


Antigua from the Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries recovers the natural source of the Tacha Blanca picnic area, which dates in the public records from before the year 1600. In this sense, the improvement of stone walls, conditioning of the pond, cleaning of the picnic area, are some of the actions carried out in Tacha Blanca, along with the recovery of the Natural Fountain.



One of the landmarks in the history of the Municipality of Antigua and the island of Fuerteventura is Tacha Blanca as a rest area today for hikers, neighbours and school excursions, and since ancient times, also as a watering hole for animals, being the protagonist of this privileged corner, its natural source, explains the mayor, Matías Peña, who invites everyone to visit this space. whose use and exploitation dates back to before the year 1,600.



The Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries of the City of Antigua has promoted a recovery action coordinated by the councilor, Fernando Estupiñán.

The objective has been to recover and beautify this space, as well as to rescue the Natural Fountain by facilitating the return to emanate the water that the animals need, and adds the councilor, also used and collected in the pond of this public space that can be enjoyed by groups of friends or family of its barbecue area, its cobbled walls of rest and its views and a unique environment.



Almond, fig or carob trees are found in its forest, in addition to the presence of hoopoes, pigeons, crows, partridges, eagles or rabbits, among some of the wild species.

link to article for great pics!]]> https://fuerteventura.click/Thread-Decarbonising-the-islands-by-2040 Tue, 16 Jan 2024 19:27:24 +0000 TamaraEnLaPlaya]]> https://fuerteventura.click/Thread-Decarbonising-the-islands-by-2040
"We have the challenge and the goal of decarbonising the islands by 2040".

Ecological Transition leads the first Offshore Wind Energy Roundtable in the Canary Islands to advance its implementation in the archipelago



NEWSROOMFUERTEVENTURA


The Ministry of Ecological Transition and Energy of the Government of the Canary Islands leads the first Offshore Wind Energy Roundtable on the islands, in a meeting that was attended by the Minister, Mariano H. Zapata and the Deputy Minister, Julieta Schallenberg, together with the different representatives and agents of the entities related to this sector.



The Minister, Mariano H. Zapata, thanked all the attendees for their commitment to prepare this first coordination meeting and move forward with the implementation of offshore wind energy so that "the Canary Islands are pioneers in this sector, working hand in hand with all those involved". "We have the goal and the challenge of decarbonising the islands by 2040 and that can only happen by working tirelessly to advance in the penetration of renewables, using all the resources and tools at our disposal," said the minister.



In this sense, Zapata also pointed out that "in addition to working hard to perfectly combine environmental protection with the present and future development of the Canary Islands in its decarbonisation, we must also see here an opportunity for diversification and economic wealth for sectors that must coexist, such as tourism and fishing". All this, he pointed out, "on islands where wind potential is important and in a time frame in which green energies are more important than ever".



Likewise, during this first roundtable-forum, Zapata and his team highlighted to the attendees the firm commitment of the Ministry to advance in this penetration of renewables, emphasizing that a first meeting of the Renewable Energy Table of the Canary Islands had already been led last November. According to the Minister of the area, "it had the involvement and support of the main renewable energy associations in the sector, the Canary Islands Association of Renewable Energies (ACER) and the Canary Islands Wind Association (AEOLICAN), as well as representatives of Endesa and Red Eléctrica, for which we are very satisfied, as it shows the interest and commitment of everyone to achieve these objectives".



This first meeting was attended by representatives of the Delegation of the Government of Spain in the Canary Islands, the port authorities and maritime captaincies of both provinces, the Maritime Cluster of the Canary Islands, the Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands (PLOCAN), the Technological Institute of the Canary Islands (ITC) and the Wind Energy Business Association (AEE). In addition, on behalf of the Government of the Canary Islands, representatives of the Ministry of Economy, Commerce, Industry and Self-Employed Persons attended; Territorial Policy, Territorial Cohesion and Water; Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food Sovereignty, Tourism and Employment; as well as Public Works, Housing and Mobility, where the General Directorate of Coasts is located.]]>
"We have the challenge and the goal of decarbonising the islands by 2040".

Ecological Transition leads the first Offshore Wind Energy Roundtable in the Canary Islands to advance its implementation in the archipelago



NEWSROOMFUERTEVENTURA


The Ministry of Ecological Transition and Energy of the Government of the Canary Islands leads the first Offshore Wind Energy Roundtable on the islands, in a meeting that was attended by the Minister, Mariano H. Zapata and the Deputy Minister, Julieta Schallenberg, together with the different representatives and agents of the entities related to this sector.



The Minister, Mariano H. Zapata, thanked all the attendees for their commitment to prepare this first coordination meeting and move forward with the implementation of offshore wind energy so that "the Canary Islands are pioneers in this sector, working hand in hand with all those involved". "We have the goal and the challenge of decarbonising the islands by 2040 and that can only happen by working tirelessly to advance in the penetration of renewables, using all the resources and tools at our disposal," said the minister.



In this sense, Zapata also pointed out that "in addition to working hard to perfectly combine environmental protection with the present and future development of the Canary Islands in its decarbonisation, we must also see here an opportunity for diversification and economic wealth for sectors that must coexist, such as tourism and fishing". All this, he pointed out, "on islands where wind potential is important and in a time frame in which green energies are more important than ever".



Likewise, during this first roundtable-forum, Zapata and his team highlighted to the attendees the firm commitment of the Ministry to advance in this penetration of renewables, emphasizing that a first meeting of the Renewable Energy Table of the Canary Islands had already been led last November. According to the Minister of the area, "it had the involvement and support of the main renewable energy associations in the sector, the Canary Islands Association of Renewable Energies (ACER) and the Canary Islands Wind Association (AEOLICAN), as well as representatives of Endesa and Red Eléctrica, for which we are very satisfied, as it shows the interest and commitment of everyone to achieve these objectives".



This first meeting was attended by representatives of the Delegation of the Government of Spain in the Canary Islands, the port authorities and maritime captaincies of both provinces, the Maritime Cluster of the Canary Islands, the Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands (PLOCAN), the Technological Institute of the Canary Islands (ITC) and the Wind Energy Business Association (AEE). In addition, on behalf of the Government of the Canary Islands, representatives of the Ministry of Economy, Commerce, Industry and Self-Employed Persons attended; Territorial Policy, Territorial Cohesion and Water; Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food Sovereignty, Tourism and Employment; as well as Public Works, Housing and Mobility, where the General Directorate of Coasts is located.]]> https://fuerteventura.click/Thread-Climate-Change-Marine-ecosystems Sun, 14 Jan 2024 21:02:29 +0000 TamaraEnLaPlaya]]> https://fuerteventura.click/Thread-Climate-Change-Marine-ecosystems
Climate change is already modifying marine ecosystems in the Canary Islands.

Biologist Alejandro de Vera warns of its effect on the seabed, algae, island moss, plankton, corals and other flora


Climate change acts differently in the sea and in the territory, but it acts and will continue to do so in an increasing way, although human beings can slow down its current pace. Its effects on the coasts of the Canary Islands have been appreciated for some time, ecosystems are noticing it, everything points to considerable modifications and scientists such as Alejandro de Vera, PhD in Marine Biology from the ULL and curator in this area of the Museum of Nature and Archaeology of Tenerife, explains it every time he has the opportunity, he explains to Álvaro Morales in DIARIO DE AVISOS.



As it is a liquid medium, and apart from the increase in temperatures, climate change is also affecting the sea due to the increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) as it dissolves, which generates a decrease in pH (acidification).



The rise in temperature in recent decades is causing fauna and flora to rise from warmer areas, while other species that used to live here at its limit are moving away from the Canary Islands, but now cannot cope with this increase in degrees. "There is a change in the distribution of species that is noticeable on a large scale (macrobiology) with fish, corals and others, but we also notice it in microbiology, especially with plankton, very small beings," he explains to DIARIO DE AVISOS.

The MUNA has samples of plankton from the Canary Islands dating back to 1987-88 and has a line of research on the effects of climate change. According to De Vera, "at that time some tropical species appeared in the studies from time to time, but now, especially on the islands with warmer waters (El Hierro and La Palma), if trawls are made to achieve sampling, much higher concentrations appear, something that is happening with molluscs" (his specialty).



According to him, the change in the marine ecosystems of the Canary Islands coast has been evident for years. "Tropical species are arriving that, in some cases, are invasive, especially if they don't run into predators and the conditions are more beneficial than for others that were here before, which causes them to proliferate. Their problem is that they displace the ones that were there before and totally change the ecosystem, with all that that implies."



This is more noticeable with species that settle on the seabed, especially cnidarians (corals, anemones...). "Unlike fish, which are constantly moving, corals, for example, can colonize the bottom of an area, displace all the algae that were there before, and modify that ecosystem. In addition, and apart from climate change, this is also influenced by the constant passage of ships or platforms from other parts of the world, which also introduce species accustomed to higher temperatures, displace others, changing the entire food chain and, thus, the ecosystem".



According to him, another problem with invasive species is that, when forming a new ecosystem structure, "it may not have the ecological valence of the previous one, it does not generate an ecosystem as diverse as the previous one, the biodiversity of the area is impoverished and this is another negative effect of climate change."



In the case of fish, which is where the general population can see these changes more clearly, he points out that the most outstanding thing is the growing presence of species that previously stopped in the Gulf of Guinea and Cape Verde and did not reach the Canary Islands, but now do. Among others, he points to the fula sargento (with vertical stripes that make them similar to bream), of which some specimens used to appear, but now their presence is very frequent, first in El Hierro and La Palma and, later, in the rest.



Also the surgeonfish (acanthurus monroviae), "a species that began to be seen little by little in Gran Canaria and La Palma, but now there are whole schools everywhere". However, he assures that, for the time being, these fish "do not seem to be invasive, although their populations are increasing, although there are no studies on whether they affect other species; What is true is that they are already part of the ecosystem."



A positive change is the greater presence of viejas (of the parrotfish family) which, although not exactly endemic to the Canary Islands (just look at those sold by many supermarkets in Mauritania, Senegal...), is rooted in the Islands as a native species and is part of the idiosyncrasy and culture of the Canary Islands. In this case, and given that it is very fond of heat (tropical waters), the increase in temperature is benefiting its populations and they are becoming more and more appreciated, as he confirms. "No matter how much old fish are caught, there are always and the change is coming in handy for the fishing stcok, but it's a very specific case."



A KEY LOSS



As for the species that are migrating northwards or being lost due to warming, he is especially concerned about the Canarian moss, the yellow moss. "Before, it was very common to see it in spring on the northern slopes of the Islands, when it was torn away by sea storms and appeared on the beaches, but it is being lost. It is a structuring species, key to ecosystems when they are formed. A conch shell is not structuring, but this yellow moss is and it is very important for life, because in that rocky northern strip the fry live, lay eggs a lot of invertebrates and fish, it serves as hunting and refuge for all the marine fauna and, if it disappears, then the entire ecosystem almost disappears, and we have noticed this in all the islands. In fact, there are studies on Gran Canaria that confirm that more than 90% has been lost between 1987-89 and 2016, something that is happening the same in the rest of the islands".



As he emphasizes, in ecology any change does not have to be negative, it simply gives rise to something else, to something different. However, this loss of Canarian moss is very counterproductive and, in general, "climate change is leaving more negative than positive things in the Canary Islands, even with worrying imbalances because we do not know what the invasive species will bring. It's similar to what's happening on land with the cat's tail, that there are no species that eat it or that can handle it."



Of other species that are migrating, he points to the cabrilla and, above all, the rosemary, whose populations are decreasing considerably, although they are still on the islands. "In this case, it's not something of concern for the ecosystem because they are not structuring species, but it is influenced because it is a bottom fish of algae and, as these are disappearing, that explains why there are fewer and fewer."



As he explains, the problem with climate change or the effect on the sea by plastics is that, as it is a long-term effect, "reversing this is very complicated. We have been producing an excess of CO2 into the atmosphere for more than 100 years and that is not easy to reverse. No matter how much renewable energy is installed, oil is still being burned and CO2 is being emitted, we are not investing it and we are slowing down its progress somewhat, but not stopping it or turning it around."



However, he is neither pessimistic nor optimistic, although he is clear that "we are going towards a change, towards something different, we do not know very well what it will be like. The important thing is to stop the most tremendous consequences with environmental education and taking the reins, because the real engine of the brakes is in society. Whether this change is more positive or negative, we don't know either because nature tends to regulate itself and species self-regulate, like diseases (bacteria, viruses...), which fit together. That is why I am neither pessimistic nor optimistic, but we are living in uncertainty, although it is a fact that marine biology in the Canary Islands is changing and will continue to do so and someone who knew about it before the 60s and analysed it now or in 20 years may think that it is on another continent".



On whether or not fishermen are aware of these changes, he assures that, due to their relationship with the work of dissemination, "there is everything, although we have noticed a greater sensitivity and ecological awareness".



OVERPOPULATION



As he points out, climate change is not affecting species such as shrimp so much, not even due to the effect of fishing, or limpets, crabs and others, but there is a problem with overpopulation in the Canary Islands. "There are a lot of us. The population has grown by more than 100% in 50 years and that translates into double the pressure on the coast compared to before. Although it is regulated with minimum sizes and with seasons in which it cannot be harvested, there are many people catching limpets, shellfish and others on the coast and that affects."



On the contrary, climate change "does not harm cetaceans or the squid they feed on as they pass through the Canary Islands, nor sharks, which are affected by overfishing, plastics and pollution. I wish there were more sharks on our coasts because that's a reflection of rich ecosystems, being at the top of the food chain."



The harms of microplastics



The study focused on plankton and plastics that affect the Islands that De Vera is developing from the MUNA already has sampling in Fuerteventura and Tenerife. Although it is still too early to draw conclusions, he does welcome the international effort to try to change the trend.



"The world is still producing about 300 billion tons a year, and that's too much, of course. About 14 to 15 million tonnes of that amount end up in the oceans. It is true that we have begun a small transition towards biodegradable plastics that, unlike those that previously remained between 200 and 300 years without degrading in the sea (a chronic problem), last about six months, as is the case with supermarket bags made now, as a rule, with potato starch. It's happening a bit like CO2: we've slowed down the rate of pollution, we're not reversing it, but it's slower.



In the Canary Islands, where we also export plastics that reach the coasts of Cape Verde, for example, we have noticed that we receive them from all over the world, some from very remote countries. Those that come from the north-west currents are more important, and the eddies affect places such as the beach of Porís de Abona (Arico), but they come from everywhere. What we have found in Fuerteventura, north of Lobos, near Corralejo, its port and other population centres, is that in these areas there are no more plastics floating around than outside; on the contrary, there may be fewer. It is already a global problem, although we must continue to contribute with as little pollution as possible and, for that, the best thing is to have as much environmental awareness as possible," he explains.]]>
Climate change is already modifying marine ecosystems in the Canary Islands.

Biologist Alejandro de Vera warns of its effect on the seabed, algae, island moss, plankton, corals and other flora


Climate change acts differently in the sea and in the territory, but it acts and will continue to do so in an increasing way, although human beings can slow down its current pace. Its effects on the coasts of the Canary Islands have been appreciated for some time, ecosystems are noticing it, everything points to considerable modifications and scientists such as Alejandro de Vera, PhD in Marine Biology from the ULL and curator in this area of the Museum of Nature and Archaeology of Tenerife, explains it every time he has the opportunity, he explains to Álvaro Morales in DIARIO DE AVISOS.



As it is a liquid medium, and apart from the increase in temperatures, climate change is also affecting the sea due to the increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) as it dissolves, which generates a decrease in pH (acidification).



The rise in temperature in recent decades is causing fauna and flora to rise from warmer areas, while other species that used to live here at its limit are moving away from the Canary Islands, but now cannot cope with this increase in degrees. "There is a change in the distribution of species that is noticeable on a large scale (macrobiology) with fish, corals and others, but we also notice it in microbiology, especially with plankton, very small beings," he explains to DIARIO DE AVISOS.

The MUNA has samples of plankton from the Canary Islands dating back to 1987-88 and has a line of research on the effects of climate change. According to De Vera, "at that time some tropical species appeared in the studies from time to time, but now, especially on the islands with warmer waters (El Hierro and La Palma), if trawls are made to achieve sampling, much higher concentrations appear, something that is happening with molluscs" (his specialty).



According to him, the change in the marine ecosystems of the Canary Islands coast has been evident for years. "Tropical species are arriving that, in some cases, are invasive, especially if they don't run into predators and the conditions are more beneficial than for others that were here before, which causes them to proliferate. Their problem is that they displace the ones that were there before and totally change the ecosystem, with all that that implies."



This is more noticeable with species that settle on the seabed, especially cnidarians (corals, anemones...). "Unlike fish, which are constantly moving, corals, for example, can colonize the bottom of an area, displace all the algae that were there before, and modify that ecosystem. In addition, and apart from climate change, this is also influenced by the constant passage of ships or platforms from other parts of the world, which also introduce species accustomed to higher temperatures, displace others, changing the entire food chain and, thus, the ecosystem".



According to him, another problem with invasive species is that, when forming a new ecosystem structure, "it may not have the ecological valence of the previous one, it does not generate an ecosystem as diverse as the previous one, the biodiversity of the area is impoverished and this is another negative effect of climate change."



In the case of fish, which is where the general population can see these changes more clearly, he points out that the most outstanding thing is the growing presence of species that previously stopped in the Gulf of Guinea and Cape Verde and did not reach the Canary Islands, but now do. Among others, he points to the fula sargento (with vertical stripes that make them similar to bream), of which some specimens used to appear, but now their presence is very frequent, first in El Hierro and La Palma and, later, in the rest.



Also the surgeonfish (acanthurus monroviae), "a species that began to be seen little by little in Gran Canaria and La Palma, but now there are whole schools everywhere". However, he assures that, for the time being, these fish "do not seem to be invasive, although their populations are increasing, although there are no studies on whether they affect other species; What is true is that they are already part of the ecosystem."



A positive change is the greater presence of viejas (of the parrotfish family) which, although not exactly endemic to the Canary Islands (just look at those sold by many supermarkets in Mauritania, Senegal...), is rooted in the Islands as a native species and is part of the idiosyncrasy and culture of the Canary Islands. In this case, and given that it is very fond of heat (tropical waters), the increase in temperature is benefiting its populations and they are becoming more and more appreciated, as he confirms. "No matter how much old fish are caught, there are always and the change is coming in handy for the fishing stcok, but it's a very specific case."



A KEY LOSS



As for the species that are migrating northwards or being lost due to warming, he is especially concerned about the Canarian moss, the yellow moss. "Before, it was very common to see it in spring on the northern slopes of the Islands, when it was torn away by sea storms and appeared on the beaches, but it is being lost. It is a structuring species, key to ecosystems when they are formed. A conch shell is not structuring, but this yellow moss is and it is very important for life, because in that rocky northern strip the fry live, lay eggs a lot of invertebrates and fish, it serves as hunting and refuge for all the marine fauna and, if it disappears, then the entire ecosystem almost disappears, and we have noticed this in all the islands. In fact, there are studies on Gran Canaria that confirm that more than 90% has been lost between 1987-89 and 2016, something that is happening the same in the rest of the islands".



As he emphasizes, in ecology any change does not have to be negative, it simply gives rise to something else, to something different. However, this loss of Canarian moss is very counterproductive and, in general, "climate change is leaving more negative than positive things in the Canary Islands, even with worrying imbalances because we do not know what the invasive species will bring. It's similar to what's happening on land with the cat's tail, that there are no species that eat it or that can handle it."



Of other species that are migrating, he points to the cabrilla and, above all, the rosemary, whose populations are decreasing considerably, although they are still on the islands. "In this case, it's not something of concern for the ecosystem because they are not structuring species, but it is influenced because it is a bottom fish of algae and, as these are disappearing, that explains why there are fewer and fewer."



As he explains, the problem with climate change or the effect on the sea by plastics is that, as it is a long-term effect, "reversing this is very complicated. We have been producing an excess of CO2 into the atmosphere for more than 100 years and that is not easy to reverse. No matter how much renewable energy is installed, oil is still being burned and CO2 is being emitted, we are not investing it and we are slowing down its progress somewhat, but not stopping it or turning it around."



However, he is neither pessimistic nor optimistic, although he is clear that "we are going towards a change, towards something different, we do not know very well what it will be like. The important thing is to stop the most tremendous consequences with environmental education and taking the reins, because the real engine of the brakes is in society. Whether this change is more positive or negative, we don't know either because nature tends to regulate itself and species self-regulate, like diseases (bacteria, viruses...), which fit together. That is why I am neither pessimistic nor optimistic, but we are living in uncertainty, although it is a fact that marine biology in the Canary Islands is changing and will continue to do so and someone who knew about it before the 60s and analysed it now or in 20 years may think that it is on another continent".



On whether or not fishermen are aware of these changes, he assures that, due to their relationship with the work of dissemination, "there is everything, although we have noticed a greater sensitivity and ecological awareness".



OVERPOPULATION



As he points out, climate change is not affecting species such as shrimp so much, not even due to the effect of fishing, or limpets, crabs and others, but there is a problem with overpopulation in the Canary Islands. "There are a lot of us. The population has grown by more than 100% in 50 years and that translates into double the pressure on the coast compared to before. Although it is regulated with minimum sizes and with seasons in which it cannot be harvested, there are many people catching limpets, shellfish and others on the coast and that affects."



On the contrary, climate change "does not harm cetaceans or the squid they feed on as they pass through the Canary Islands, nor sharks, which are affected by overfishing, plastics and pollution. I wish there were more sharks on our coasts because that's a reflection of rich ecosystems, being at the top of the food chain."



The harms of microplastics



The study focused on plankton and plastics that affect the Islands that De Vera is developing from the MUNA already has sampling in Fuerteventura and Tenerife. Although it is still too early to draw conclusions, he does welcome the international effort to try to change the trend.



"The world is still producing about 300 billion tons a year, and that's too much, of course. About 14 to 15 million tonnes of that amount end up in the oceans. It is true that we have begun a small transition towards biodegradable plastics that, unlike those that previously remained between 200 and 300 years without degrading in the sea (a chronic problem), last about six months, as is the case with supermarket bags made now, as a rule, with potato starch. It's happening a bit like CO2: we've slowed down the rate of pollution, we're not reversing it, but it's slower.



In the Canary Islands, where we also export plastics that reach the coasts of Cape Verde, for example, we have noticed that we receive them from all over the world, some from very remote countries. Those that come from the north-west currents are more important, and the eddies affect places such as the beach of Porís de Abona (Arico), but they come from everywhere. What we have found in Fuerteventura, north of Lobos, near Corralejo, its port and other population centres, is that in these areas there are no more plastics floating around than outside; on the contrary, there may be fewer. It is already a global problem, although we must continue to contribute with as little pollution as possible and, for that, the best thing is to have as much environmental awareness as possible," he explains.]]> https://fuerteventura.click/Thread-Emergency-plan-activated-Tenerife-mainly Thu, 11 Jan 2024 19:31:33 +0000 TamaraEnLaPlaya]]> https://fuerteventura.click/Thread-Emergency-plan-activated-Tenerife-mainly Radio Sintonia:

The Government of the Canary Islands activates an emergency plan in the face of the arrival of pellets in the archipelago.

The General Directorate of Emergencies of the Government of the Canary Islands, in application of the Territorial Emergency Plan of Civil Protection of the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands (PLATECA), and following the criteria of Civil Protection, has declared at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 10, the situation of Pre-alert in the Canary Islands due to the specific episode of arrival of plastic granules (pellets) on the beach of Bajamar, in the municipality of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, which were detected around 10:00 a.m. by the Beach Lifeguard Service.



This preventive activation is carried out in order to make available the emergency resources of the Government of the Canary Islands and guarantee the coordination of the intervening services from 1-1-2 Canarias, which guarantee the correct monitoring of the situation.

In this sense, an initial surveillance system has been established on the north coast of Tenerife with the participation of a Maritime Rescue vessel, with the aim of locating and collecting this type of material on the high seas and preventing its arrival on the coast.

Likewise, the General Directorate of Emergencies has transferred that this surveillance must also be carried out by land through the Island Councils, City Councils and beach surveillance and lifeguard services in other areas of the Archipelago in case they are detected in other parts of the islands, although for the moment there is no record of their arrival in other areas of the coast of the Archipelago.

Experts from the University of La Laguna and the Spanish Institute of Oceanography consulted by the Government of the Canary Islands have ruled out the possibility that the plastic granules (pellets) located on the north coast of Tenerife come from the spill of the Toconao ship, as reported at a press conference by Marcos Lorenzo, Deputy Minister of Territorial Cohesion and Water.]]> Radio Sintonia:

The Government of the Canary Islands activates an emergency plan in the face of the arrival of pellets in the archipelago.

The General Directorate of Emergencies of the Government of the Canary Islands, in application of the Territorial Emergency Plan of Civil Protection of the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands (PLATECA), and following the criteria of Civil Protection, has declared at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 10, the situation of Pre-alert in the Canary Islands due to the specific episode of arrival of plastic granules (pellets) on the beach of Bajamar, in the municipality of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, which were detected around 10:00 a.m. by the Beach Lifeguard Service.



This preventive activation is carried out in order to make available the emergency resources of the Government of the Canary Islands and guarantee the coordination of the intervening services from 1-1-2 Canarias, which guarantee the correct monitoring of the situation.

In this sense, an initial surveillance system has been established on the north coast of Tenerife with the participation of a Maritime Rescue vessel, with the aim of locating and collecting this type of material on the high seas and preventing its arrival on the coast.

Likewise, the General Directorate of Emergencies has transferred that this surveillance must also be carried out by land through the Island Councils, City Councils and beach surveillance and lifeguard services in other areas of the Archipelago in case they are detected in other parts of the islands, although for the moment there is no record of their arrival in other areas of the coast of the Archipelago.

Experts from the University of La Laguna and the Spanish Institute of Oceanography consulted by the Government of the Canary Islands have ruled out the possibility that the plastic granules (pellets) located on the north coast of Tenerife come from the spill of the Toconao ship, as reported at a press conference by Marcos Lorenzo, Deputy Minister of Territorial Cohesion and Water.]]>