Spaceman goes underwater

Tabarca marine reserve brings benefits for surrounding area, scientists have found

GOVERNMENT minister Pedro Duque – best known for being Spain’s first astronaut – took part in a scientific probe at Tabarca island, off Santa Pola, on Sunday.

Sr Duque, acting minister for science, innovation and universities, joined an investigation into the effects of climate change on the protection zone around the island.

He joined eight scientists from Alicante university’s department for marine science at the marine reserve.

Two studies are being operated by the university professors José Luis Sánchez Lizaso and Aitor Forcada.

Their findings will help them to advise on ‘management’ of fishing resources off the coast of Alicante.

Collecting information for the studies, the divers took samples of sea grasses and recorded the numbers of fish in the areas they visited.

They also took readings from sensors which have been placed in the sea to measure the fluctuations in water temperature.

Later Sr Duque stated that Tabarca is an example of how protection measures can help the environment.

“The reserve helps to improve the biodiversity of the whole area,” he stated.

It has also increased fish stocks, allowing fishermen to take advantage in areas outside the protection zone.

The university professors gave details of their report named (in English) Reserve Benefit, which evaluates how the protection measures have allowed improvements to occur in zones further away from the island.

They also explained that they are monitoring sea temperatures to study how climate change is affecting the Mediterranean Sea.