Menorca marine reserve shows signs of sponge deaths

In the Northern Menorca Marine Reserve, nine people from science and underwater photography spot signs that sponges and moss animals, known as bryozoans, have recently died. MARE and Observadores del Mar report the finding on Tuesday, 6 October, after a dive organised with Diving Menorca.

The same dive reveals plenty of fish, including groupers, corvallos and amberjacks. The group also sees vulnerable species: fan mussels, the coral Cladocora caespitosa and white gorgonians. The waters have been protected for more than 25 years.

High water temperatures may be linked to the sponge and bryozoan deaths, though the cause is not confirmed. The organisers say the signs show why marine life needs watching even inside protected areas.

María Elena Cefalí of the Jaume Ferrer Research Station says it is important to find and monitor marine climate refuges — places that may offer better conditions for species affected by warming seas. The group will collect the dive photographs and assess whether they can be used to explain and support marine conservation.

Topics: Nature & wildlife · Politics

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com