There are days when you wonder whether the Balearic Islands are really only known for sunsets and sangria. But then comes a Tuesday that puts things into perspective: the Balearic Ministry of Agriculture has sat down - not for the next beach party, but to discuss the The future of sharks and rays around our beautiful islands. Yes, that's right, it's about life under water. About the big sea creatures that have been in the shadows for so long - and are now finally being brought into the limelight.
A "shark's eye view" for Mallorca?
On September 10 A group of experts was set up to do nothing less than save the Shark and ray populations should take care of. This is no small task, because with 32 shark species around the Balearic Islands, many of which are on the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), is about more than just a few fish. It's about the survival of these impressive creatures and the health of our seas. Or, as it Anna TorresDirector-General for Nature Conservation, put it so well: "Sharks and rays are the indicator of the state of our marine ecosystems."
Between experts, fishermen and science
It is no coincidence that the Fisherman sit at the table. After all, they are the ones who know the oceans best - and at the same time the ones who are directly affected by the decisions. Antoni GrayDirector-General for Fisheries, emphasized the importance of involving fisheries in the decision-making process. After all, what use is the best protection strategy if it is not feasible?
But it's not just the fishermen who call the shots here. The group also includes Scientists from the marine research institute IEOconservation organizations such as Save the Med, SharkMed and Marillesand the Balearic government, which wants to put its plans into practice.
What does that mean in concrete terms?
The goals are ambitious: it's all about protected areas, Restrictive measures for fisheries and the expansion of projects for Breeding and release endangered species, such as the Large spotted catshark. New minimum catch sizes are also to be set, for example for the Gray smooth dogfish - a measure designed to ensure that stocks have a real chance of recovery.
And then there's the matter of the Balearic Tracking Network - an electronic monitoring system designed to help better understand the movements of sharks and rays. Because, hand on heart: only those who know their opponents can win the battle. And this battle is existential, not only for the sharks, but for the entire ecosystem.
Sharks in the Balearic Islands: Endangered kings of the sea
With 60 percent of the shark species found on the Balearic Islands, which are considered endangered, the situation is anything but rosy. But there is hope. In recent decades, the pressure from fishing has decreased, and in some Marine protected areas the populations were able to recover. Particularly impressive: the increase in populations of sedentary species such as the Saw perches and Sea breamby up to 800 percent have grown. This shows that protected areas work - at least for some species.
However, sharks, which are at the top of the food chain, are having a harder time. Their decline has an impact on the entire marine ecosystem. And that is why the work of the new panel of experts is so important. After all, what is the Mediterranean without its kings of the sea?
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