Balearic sea heat threatens gorgonians on the seabed

The Balearic Islands’ seabed faces a threat from warming Mediterranean waters: researchers have recorded losses of up to 80% of biomass in some heat-hit populations of red gorgonians. Experts at the HIC Summit Eivissa on Ibiza warned on Tuesday, 10 November 2026, that damage to underwater habitats puts marine wildlife and a natural asset for tourism at risk.

Heat and plastic take their toll

Gorgonians are sea creatures that form structures resembling small underwater trees. Many species find shelter among them. Research by the Institute of Marine Sciences has documented the severe losses in certain red gorgonian populations affected by high temperatures.

Marc Rigau of the Blue Life Foundation warned that human pressure adds to the threat from warmer water. He said gorgonians remain little known despite their importance to marine ecosystems. Plastic pollution poses another risk: a University of Barcelona study published in March 2026 found that prolonged exposure to microplastics can change their metabolism before any damage becomes visible.

Protecting what remains

The experts urged protection of existing marine habitats ahead of attempts to restore damaged ones, which can take a long time to recover. The Blue Life Foundation presented projects on Ibiza to protect and restore gorgonians and posidonia, backed by the Abel Matutes Foundation. The summit also called for closer work between public authorities, scientists and tourism businesses to safeguard marine ecosystems.

Topics: Nature & wildlife · Environment

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com