LIFE INTEMARES aims to advance the protection and effective management of the marine Natura 2000 Network. The project has been featured in various environmental magazines to explain its work.
Article published in the September 2023 issue of the magazine Quercus
The project includes a Training Strategy that aims to educate and train the main users and managers of the marine Natura 2000 Network. This facilitates appropriate and coordinated decision-making by the competent administrations and promotes the development of economic activity in line with the values of the blue economy.
As part of this strategy, the project has created four educational modules on safeguarding the marine environment and managing Natura 2000 Network sites. These modules are intended for individuals interested in protected marine areas, as well as public administration personnel responsible for managing the marine Natura 2000 Network, including personnel from the Spanish Navy, Civil Guard, and Maritime Rescue, among others.
Teaching unit 1: The marine environment and the Natura 2000 Network
Killer whales are marine mammals that are protected by law. They are known for their curiosity and sociability. Interactions with sailing vessels have been recorded in the waters of the Strait of Gibraltar, Gulf of Cadiz, and the coasts of Portugal and Galicia, although they are rare. Discover recommendations for how to respond in the event of such an incident.
The Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge has revised the management plan for El Cachucho, a significant underwater mountain situated off the coast of Asturias. Learn more about this protected area and the conservation measures outlined in the second management plan.
The INTEMARES project prioritises science as the fundamental basis for effectively managing marine protected areas. The scientific information gathered during various oceanographic campaigns, research, and studies conducted by the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO) helps to expand our understanding of marine habitats and species. This knowledge can be used to guide management decisions based on existing needs.
Within the framework of the LIFE IP INTEMARES project, we are publishing various scientific articles starting from this line.
Authors: Emilio González García, Ángel Mateo Ramírez, Javier Urra, Carlos Farias, Pablo Marina, Pablo Lozano, Pablo J. López González, César Megina, J. Enrique García Raso, Serge Gofasa, Eduardo López, Juan Moreira, Nieves López González, Ricardo F. Sánchez-Leal, Luis M. Fernández Salas y José L. Rueda.
Date: Mayo, 2020.
Scientific journal: Journal of Sea Research, vol. 160-161.
Authors: Pablo Lozano, Luis Miguel Fernández Salas, Francisco Javier Hernández Molina, Ricardo Sánchez Leal, Olga Sánchez Guillamón, Desirée Palomino, Carlos Farias, Ángel Mateo Ramírez, Nieves López González, Marga García, Juan Tomás Vázquez, Yolanda Vila y José Luis Rueda.
Authors: José Enrique García Raso, José Enrique García-Muñoz, Angel Mateo-Ramírez, Nieves López González, Luis Miguel Fernández-Salas y José Luis Rueda
Date: Marzo, 2018
Scientific journal: Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom
Authors: Emilio González García, Ángel Mateo Ramírez, Javier Urra, Carlos Farias, Teresa García, Juan Gil, J. Enrique García Raso, Nieves López González, José L. Rueda
Date: Enero, 2020
Scientific journal: Regional Studies in Marine Science, vol. 184
Authors: Pablo Lozano, José L. Rueda, Marina Gallardo Núñez, Carlos Farias, Javier Urra, Yolanda Vila, Nieves López González, Desirée Palomino, Olga Sánchez Guillamón, Juan T. Vázquez y Luis M. Fernández Salas.
Date: 2020
Scientific journal: Seafloor Geo-morphology as Benthic Habitat 2nd Edition: GeoHab Atlas of Seafloor Geo-morphic Features and Benthic Habitats, pp. 847-861.
Authors: Pilar Ríos, Elena Prado, Francisca C. Carvalho, Francisco Sánchez, Augusto Rodríguez Basalo, Joana R. Xavier, Teodoro P. Ibarrola y Javier Cristobo.
Date: Julio, 2020.
Scientific journal: Frontiers in Marine Science, vol. 7, p. 578.
Authors: J.M, Falcón, M. González-Porto, L. Martín-García, A. Brito, N. Zurita-Pérez, F. Sánchez y P. Martín-Sosa.
Date: Enero, 2021.
Scientific journal: Revista de la Academia Canaria de Ciencias, vol. 32, pp. 93-12http://6.
Enhancing Understanding of Marine Habitats
Enhancing Understanding of Marine Habitats
The oceanographic campaigns conducted as part of LIFE INTEMARES have enhanced our understanding of marine habitats. The research results will evaluate the possibility of declaring new marine protected areas.
The scientific reports resulting from the research campaigns are presented below:
Scientific information for developing management plans
Scientific information for developing management plans
Science is essential for the effective management of the sea, ensuring the conservation of its ecosystems and the sustainability of its resources. The scientific information obtained not only increases knowledge of marine habitats and species but also provides a solid basis for developing management plans for marine protected areas.
The Spanish Institute of Oceanography has analysed the scientific information obtained from 10 Spanish marine areas that were declared Sites of Community Importance (SCI) and included in the Natura 2000 Network under the previous LIFE+ INDEMARES project 'Inventory and designation of the Natura 2000 Network in marine areas of the Spanish State'.
We have published the following scientific reports, which will serve as a basis for elaborating the management plans for these 10 SCIs.
Spatially distributed geomorphological and sedimentary features of the Banco de la Concepción SCI.
Report on the spatial distribution of geomorphological and sedimentary characteristics of the southern sector of the SCI Eastern and Southern Lanzarote-Fuerteventura Marine Area
Report on the characterisation, mapping and conservation status of the benthic habitats of AMANAY AND EL BANQUETE Seamounts included in the SCI-ESZZ15002 "Marine area of the east and south of Lanzarote-Fuerteventura"
Furthermore, to aid in the development of management plans for the designated areas, we have analysed the impact of fishing activities during oceanographic campaigns in the Menorca Channel, the Canary Islands, the Gulf of Cadiz, and the Aviles canyon systems.
The reports below are part of the effort to diagnose the impact of human activities and climate change on the marine Natura 2000 Network. They also contain proposals to control, eliminate, or mitigate these effects.
Research campaign to assess the effects of fishing on benthic habitats in the SCI Canal de Menorca
Governance and training strategies can facilitate progress towards more inclusive models for managing marine protected areas. To develop both strategies, we conducted participatory processes involving over 500 participants.
Marine Natura 2000 Network Governance Strategy Synthesis Document
Training sessions have already been held for Public Administrations on the management of the Natura 2000 Network and marine biodiversity during its implementation, with over7,000 individuals trained. Over 2,100 participants took part in training sessions for the Guardia Civil, Navy, and SASEMAR. This action was possible due to the collaboration established with the Ministries of the Interior and Defence.
Executive summary of the capacity building strategy for managers and users of marine protected areas in the Natura 2000 network
We have developed tools to assess the project's impact more accurately, enabling us to manage it more effectively and sustainably. These tools can also support other conservation organisations and initiatives.
We have developed a Geographic Information System (GIS) protocol that provides guidelines and directives for collecting and processing georeferenced information obtained during the project’s various actions.
We have calculated our carbon footprint, which describes the total amount of CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions generated by the project. This tool allows us to identify the major sources of emissions and take action to reduce their impact.
The methodological framework offers innovative guidelines for calculating and monitoring project carbon footprints:
Protocol for the calculation of the carbon footprint
We have assessed the impact of the 175 marine projects financed by the Biodiversidad Foundation between 2011 and 2018, within the framework of LIFE INTEMARES, and their collective contribution to the implementation of European Directives, Spanish marine protection legislation, and major international conventions related to marine conservation.
The report also analyses the achievements, limitations and opportunities of the Biodiversidad Foundation’s marine projects that are complementary to the objectives of LIFE INTEMARES:
Baseline and measurement of the impact of LIFE INTEMARES actions on marine biodiversity conservation
We have assessed and evaluated the services provided by Natura 2000 marine protected areas and their impact on human well-being.
We analysed the relationships between marine ecosystems and the provisioning of fisheries, regulation of carbon sequestration, and cultural services such as tourism and recreation associated with protected areas. Our goal is to ensure that decision-making processes integrate the diversity of values embedded in the Natura 2000 network. We have published the following report and its executive summary:
Assessment and valuation of marine ecosystem services provided by the Natura 2000 Network in Spain
Studies on the socioeconomic impact of the project
Studies on the socioeconomic impact of the project
We analysed the social and economic impact of the LIFE INTEMARES project from 2017 to 2020 to assess its effect on income and employment:
To develop the study, we used a methodology to estimate the total impact on the national economy for each euro spent on the project. We have used the Input-Output methodology based on the multipliers estimated by the National Statistics Institute (INE) for the sectors of Spanish economic activity used in National Accounting. The main results are as follows:
The LIFE INTEMARES project has generated €2 of income in the Spanish economy for every euro invested. In other words, it doubles its investment in society.
LIFE INTEMARES has generated 984 jobs since the start of the project.
It is expected that, by the end of the project in 2024, an average of at least 3,460 jobs and €91,818,598 in income will have been generated.
The project generates the most income in five sectors of the economy: scientific research and development services, professional and technical services, education, food products, and public administration services.
Impact of LIFE INTEMARES Project on Income and Employment. Status Report 0
We have developed a methodology to assist managers in implementing risk assessment procedures for climate change in marine protected areas. This methodology can be adapted to the unique needs and characteristics of each protected area.
The methodology would aid in designing and proposing climate change adaptation measures to be included in management plans or in the planning of the protected marine area.
This document was prepared by the Environmental Hydraulics Institute of the University of Cantabria (IHCantabria) as part of the collaboration agreement between the Spanish Climate Change Office and the Biodiversidad Foundation of the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge. It is a contribution to the LIFE IP INTEMARES project, as part of the “Integrated, innovative, and participatory management of the Natura 2000 Network in the Spanish marine environment.”
Methodology for analysing risks to marine protected areas in the Natura 2000 Network due to climate change
Allochthonous or non-native species are those outside their natural habitat. To determine the status and risks of marine allochthonous species, particularly potentially invasive species, we have published a report containing basic information on the subject. The report was prepared by the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO).
Report on the current state of knowledge regarding “ACTIONS FOR CONTROLLING NON-NATIVE SPECIES” (2020)
The ocean is being impacted by pollution. Plastics are among the most commonly found objects on our beaches, accounting for 71.5% of the total waste found. But where does it come from? 80% of the plastic found in the ocean comes from land.
Marine litter comes from various sources and has numerous impacts on the environment, health, economy, safety, and culture. The fishing sector is one of the groups directly affected by this problem. Globally, an estimated 70% of marine litter is found on the seabed, directly impacting marine life, damaging fish stocks, and fishing gear.
The INTEMARES-Clean Fishing Sites initiative, promoted by the General Subdirectorate for the Protection of the Sea of the Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge (MITECO) in collaboration with the Asociación Vertidos Cero, has established general criteria for passive fishing of marine litter in Spain.
The INTEMARES-Lost Gear initiative, developed in collaboration with Hombre y Territorio, has established criteria for managing Lost or Abandoned Fishing Gear (LAFG).
General Criteria for the Management of Abandoned, Lost or Discared Fishing Gear (ALDFG)
Furthermore, this issue was discussed at the 4th Annual Seminar on marine litter organized by the Directorate General for the Coast and the Sea of MITECO as part of the Marine Strategies program of measures. This initiative is supported by LIFE INTEMARES and is part of the National Environmental Education Centre’s permanent seminar programme.
The seminar’s main conclusions are outlined in the report:
4th Seminar. Protection of the marine environment: marine litter issues
Surveillance and monitoring of the Natura 2000 Network
Surveillance and monitoring of the Natura 2000 Network
Our main objective is to enhance research and use new technologies to monitor and track habitats and species of community interest. This will increase knowledge and serve as a basis for decision-making to effectively manage the marine Natura 2000 Network.
We conducted a study to compile and present the various needs and priorities for monitoring the marine Natura 2000 Network in our country. The results will serve as a basis for designing new technologies and adapting existing equipment.
Report on monitoring needs and priorities for the Spanish marine Natura 2000 Network
LIFE INTEMARES supports blue entrepreneurship by promoting the socio-economic opportunities offered by the marine areas of the Natura 2000 Network.
We have conducted the following studies in this field, which were cofinanced by the European Social Fund under the Operational Programme for Employment, Training, and Education:
Initiatives to support blue entrepreneurship at national and international level
