The Cabildo of Lanzarote, in collaboration with a scientific team from the ULPGC and the Government of the Canary Islands, has been working for a year on an innovative research project, which includes "the commissioning of two latest generation oceanographic buoys, in order to know the real impact of climate change on the ocean and its impact on life".
From the Cabildo they explain that these buoys, built in the Canary Islands, will allow "a precise observation thanks to its technology, in addition to obtaining data of very high value on the state of the marine environment". The study of these data will be integrated into the Canary and Macaronesian networks to support international research.
At this time, a multidisciplinary team coordinated by Ezequiel Navío, is in charge of locating the appropriate locations for these buoys, which must meet "technical requirements such as a depth of between 10 and 15 meters, a rocky substrate and that allows the observation of fish life, among others." So far, nine dives have been carried out in different areas for this purpose, and it is expected that their placement will be effective before the end of the year.
In the last dive, carried out this Thursday in the Strait of La Bocaina, the Heritage Councilor, Ariagona González, actively participated. With a degree in Marine Sciences, the councilor supported the action and highlighted "the need for this research in the face of the climate emergency."
In that sense, Ariagona González indicated that "this is a study of great relevance", highlighting that "the increase in sea temperature in the Canary Islands is very significant and the climate is intimately related to ocean conditions".
González also expressed her concern about the consequences of climate change. "It is a reality of serious consequences, which we do not even imagine, for all species and it is going to change life in an extraordinary way. In our sea, as in the land, very serious things are happening, such as heat waves or acidification of the environment with the consequent appearance of pests, and all this is altering biodiversity and ecosystems. We need real data to take measures and protect resources and the population", she stressed.
Once the investigation for the location of the buoys is completed, "a dissemination campaign will be launched to publicize the project to society and explain its importance not only for the conservation of the environment but also for life itself".
