Some of the leading researchers and experts in the study of marine waters in our country, such as Esther Garcés, from the Institute of Marine Sciences-CSIC; Sergio Chiva, professor of Fluid Dynamics in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Universitat Jaume I; Carolina Assadi, project coordinator at the marine environmental consultancy Oceansnell; or the Balearic experts Gotzón Basterretxea, from the Mediterranean Institute of Advanced Studies (IMEDEA, UIB-CIC); Gabriel Moyá, professor of Ecology at the Universitat de les Illes Balears; and Martí Llobera, environmental consultant and partner at the Gabinete de Análisis Ambiental y Territorial (GAAT), among others, have met today in Palma de Mallorca to analyze the problems related to the proliferation of marine algae in coastal waters.
A conference organized by FACSA, in collaboration with the La Caixa Social Foundation, the University of the Balearic Islands and the Jaume I University of Castellón, which has allowed us to address both the ecological state of the coastal waters in the Balearic archipelago and the socio-economic effects of algal blooms in tourist towns.
Carlos Simarro, director of the Coastal Demarcation in the Balearic Islands, as well as Juan María Garau, director of Water Resources, and representatives of the Mallorca Hotel Business Federation (FEHM), were in charge of opening the day, together with the general director of FACSA, José Claramonte.
In her speech, Claramonte recalled that “currently, the proliferation of harmful algae (PANs) has become one of the main risks affecting coastal towns around the world since, in addition to impacting the marine ecosystem itself, it also affects aspects such as fishing, agriculture, tourism or food security.”.
In this regard, through the different presentations and round tables, the experts have analyzed and made known the impact that the proliferation of harmful algae (PAN) is having on aquaculture on the coasts of the Valencian Community, Balearic Islands and Catalonia, its monitoring, prevention and control in reservoirs, as well as specific cases of harmful algae blooms.
Regarding the progress made in recent years by major entities, administrations, and companies to address this problem and mitigate its effects, the event also showcased the most advanced hydrodynamic modeling tools that have begun to be applied in the country's main coastal areas.
Thus, the session, in addition to serving as a forum for debate and knowledge exchange, has allowed attendees to address in a global and integrated way different aspects related to this problem and its possible short, medium and long-term solutions.
