What to do if you encounter a marine animal in trouble: A kitesurfer's guide
Hello, kiteboarding enthusiasts! 🌊🪁 Today on SUELTALABARRA we're going to talk about something very important that the OCEANOGRAFIC Foundation in Valencia sent me. 🐢🐬
What to do if you find a marine animal in trouble?
The Mediterranean is a sea teeming with life, home to cetaceans, turtles, and sharks that maintain the balance of the ecosystem. 🌍 However, many of these species are threatened by human activities. Here's how you can help if you come across a marine animal in distress while enjoying your favorite sport.
1. Stay calm and call 112 📞
If you see an injured or entangled marine animal, the first thing you should do is call 112. This will activate the Valencian Community Stranding Network, and experts from the Oceanogràfic Foundation and the University of Valencia will guide you through the next steps.
2. Don't enter the water 🚫
Even if your instinct is to help, entering the water can put your life at risk and make the animal's condition worse. Keep your distance and don't try to free the animal from nets or marine debris.
3. Record all the information 📸
Take photos and videos of the animal, note the time, position, and direction. Try to identify the species, size, and behavior. This information is vital for rescue teams.
4. Do not feed or handle the animal 🍽️
Feeding or handling the animal can make its condition worse. It's best to let the experts handle it.
Good environmental practices in marinas and on board 🚤
At the port:
- Manage solid waste: Deposit it in the indicated places.
- Do not pour liquid waste: Use designated clean points.
- Avoid oil and hydrocarbon leaks: They are very toxic to marine fauna.
- Use biodegradable cleaning products: No phosphates or solvents.
Aboard:
- Do not throw waste into the sea: It can injure or poison animals.
- Respect anchoring restrictions: Use buoys whenever possible.
- Slow down your boat: This will help you avoid collisions and reduce noise pollution.
- Practice aquatic activities sustainably: Do not feed, disturb, or collect animals or plants.
Curiosities 🌟
- Did you know? The Oceanogràfic Foundation has a free app called "Projecte Posidònia" that helps you anchor responsibly. Download it and contribute to the conservation of the Mediterranean!
Remember:
Reporting or rescuing live, distressed, or dead marine wildlife is an important contribution to marine biodiversity conservation. 🌊🐠
Thanks for reading and for being a responsible kitesurfer! 🪁💙 Encourage other kiters to practice good environmental practices to protect the marine environment. We are all responsible for its conservation.
Thanks to the Conservation Area team at the Oceanogràfic Foundation, who, as they do every year, send an update to the protocol.
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