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Educational and informative materials

Educational and informative materials

Educational and informative materials

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

Article published in issue 137 of the magazine Ambienta

Article published in issue 204 of the journal Civil Engineering

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

Teaching unit 2: Main Pressures, Threats and Conservation Measures for Marine Species and Habitats

Teaching unit 3: Management of the Natura 2000 Network in Spain's marine environment

Teaching unit 4: Monitoring of the marine environment and surveillance of the Natura 2000 Network

The Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge has updated the management plan for El Cachucho, a large underwater mountain located off the Asturian coast. Learn more about this protected area and the conservation measures included in this second management plan.

Infographics

Brochure

The proposal to adapt the marine Natura 2000 Network is the result of an analysis conducted with the participation of 170 experts in marine research, conservation, and management, as well as in collaboration with WWF. This analysis identified 104 areas of high ecological value to advance the international commitment to achieve 30% protection by 2030. In the short term, Spain has committed to achieving 25% protection by 2025.

Based on this scientific basis, the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge developed a proposal for sites eligible for protection, taking into account ecological and socioeconomic criteria. This proposal was used to declare new marine areas in the Natura 2000 Network. Within the framework of LIFE INTEMARES, other areas have been studied to advance the declaration of new protected areas.

Proposal for adaptation of the marine Natura 2000 network

Brochure

With the aim of promoting coordination in responding to sea turtle nesting events on the Spanish coast, MITECO, together with the Regional Government of Andalusia and within the framework of the project, developed a training and awareness campaign in 2024 for municipal technicians, beach staff, volunteers, and the general public. Access the materials generated within the framework of this initiative.

Manual for dealing with sea turtle nesting events on the coasts of the Andalusian coastline

Information sheets for technicians

Information sheets for volunteers

Presentation for trainers

Presentation for municipalities and volunteers

Presentation for technicians

Nesting Poster 1

Nesting Poster 2

Scientific articles

Scientific articles

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.
Scientific articles

Bryozoa from deep-sea habitats of the northern Gulf of Cádiz (Northeastern Atlantic)

  • Authors: Lais Ramalho, Carlos M. López-Fé, Angel Mateo-Ramírez y José Luis Rueda.
  • Date: Mayo, 2020.
  • Scientific journal:  Zootaxa, vol. 4768, nº 4, pp. 451-478.

Composition, structure and distribution of epibenthic communities within a mud volcano field of the northern Gulf of Cádiz in relation to environmental variables and trawling activity.

  • 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.

Multiprocess interaction shaping geoforms and controlling substrate types and benthic community distribution in the Gulf of Cádiz

  • 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.
  • Date: Mayo, 2020
  • Scientific journal: Marine Geology, vol. 423.

Decapod crustaceans Eucalliacidae in chemoautotrophic bathyal bottoms of the Gulf of Cadiz (Atlantic Ocean), environmental characteristics and associated communities

  • 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

Deep-water sponge fauna from the mud volcanoes of the Gulf of Cadiz (North Atlantic, Spain)

  • Authors: C. Sitjà, M. Maldonado, C. Farias y J. L. Rueda
  • Date: Julio, 2018
  • Scientific journal: Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom

Bottom trawling activity, main fishery resources and associated benthic and demersal fauna in a mud volcano field of the Gulf of Cádiz (southwestern Iberian Peninsula).

  • 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

Habitat distribution and associated biota in different geomorphic features within a fluid venting area of the Gulf of Cádiz (Southwestern Iberian Peninsula, Northeast Atlantic Ocean).habitat distriboverflow:hidden

  • 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.

Sponges of Western Mediterranean seamounts:new genera, new species and new records

  • Authors: Díaz J.A., S. Ramírez-Amaro and F. Ordines.
  • Date: Agosto, 2021.
  • Scientific journal: PeerJ, 9: e11879 .

First occurrence of an Ophiohelidae species in the Mediterranean: the high abundances of Ophiomyces grandis from the Mallorca Channel seamounts.

  • Authors: Francesc Ordines, Sergio Ramírez Amaro, Ulla Fernandez Arcaya, Elena Marco Herrero y Enric Massutí.
  • Date: Diciembre, 2019.
  • Scientific journal: Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, vol. 99, nº 8, pp. 1817-1823.

Lebetus patzneri (Teleostei: Gobiidae), a new goby species from the Balearic Islands, western Mediterranean, with first records of Lebetus guilleti (Le Danois, 1913) from this area and Norway, and with notes on its biology.

  • Authors: Ulrich K. Schliewen, Marcelo Kovačić, Alexander F. Cerwenka, Rudolf Svensen, Francesc Ordines.
  • Date: Diciembre, 2019.
  • Scientific journal: Zootaxa, vol. 4706, nº 2, pp. 231-254.

3D Fine-scale Terrain variables from Underwater Photogrammetry: A New Approach to Benthic Microhabitat Modeling in a Circalittoral Rocky Shelf.

  • Authors: Elena Prado, Augusto Rodríguez Basalo, Adolfo Cobo, Pilar Ríos y Francisco Sánchez.
  • Date: Julio, 2020.
  • Scientific journal: Remote Sensing, vol. 12, p. 2466.

Intemares Capbreton Canyon System: an ecosystem multidisciplinary study

  • Authors: M.Gómez-Ballesteros et al.
  • Date: 1-4 Junio, 2021.
  • Poster published in the “XVII International Symposium on Oceanography of the Bay of Biscay” (ISOBAY 17)

Hard-bottom bathyal habitats and keystone epibenthic species on Le Danois Bank (Cantabrian Sea).

  • Authors: F.Sánchez, A.Rodríguez Basalo, A.García-Alegre y M.Gómez-Ballesteros
  • Date: Septiembre, 2017
  • Scientific journal: Journal of Sea Research, vol. 130, pp. 134-153.

Updating the Master Management Plan for El Cachucho MPA (Cantabrian Sea) using a spatial planning approach.

  • Authors: A. Rodríguez-Basalo, F. Sánchez, A. Punzón y M. Gómez-Ballesteros
  • Date: Junio, 2019
  • Scientific journal: Continental Shelf Research, vol. 184, pp. 54-65.

Community composition and habitat characterization of a rock sponge aggregation (Porifera, Corallistidae) in the Cantabrian Sea.

  • 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.

Biodiversidad de los LIC Banco de La Concepción y Espacio marino del oriente y sur de Lanzarote-Fuerteventura. Especies protegidas y formadoras de hábitats

  • 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.

Global tracking of marine megafauna space use reveals how to achieve conservation targets. 

  • Authors: Ana M. M. Sequeira, Jorge P. Rodríguez et al.
  • Date: June, 2025.
  • Scientific journal: Science, Volume 388, Issue 6751. 

Global distribution, threats and population trends of the critically endangered Balearic shearwater Puffinus mauretanicus.  

  • Authors: Andrés De la Cruz, Jorge M. Pereira, Gonzalo M. Arroyo, Jaime A. Ramos, Hany Alonso, José Manuel Arcos, Beneharo Rodríguez, Juan Bécares, Fernando Ramos, Jorge Tornero, Camilo Saavedra, José Antonio Vázquez, Isabel García-Barón, Amaia Astarloa, Maite Louzao, Sophie Laran, Ghislain Dorémus, James Waggitt, Vitor H. Paiva.
  • Date: May, 2025.
  • Scientific journal: Biological Conservation, Volume 305, May 2025, 111047.

Climate change drives migratory range shift via individual plasticity in shearwaters.  

  • Authors: Patrick J. Lewin, Joe Wynn, José Manuel Arcos and Oliver Padget.
  • Date: January, 2024.
  • Scientific journal: PNAS Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 121 (6) e2312438121 

High frequency of prospecting for informed dispersal and colonisation in a social species at large spatial scale. 

  • Authors: Louzao M, Delord K, García D, Afán I, Arcos JM, Weimerskirch H.
  • Date: September, 2021.
  • Scientific journal: Oecologia197, 395–409 (2021),

First days at sea: depicting migration patterns of juvenile seabirds in highly impacted seascapes. spatial scale. 

  • Authors: Daniel Oro, Juan Bécares, Frederic Bartumeus, José Manuel Arcos.
  • Date: May, 2021.
  • Scientific journal: PeerJ9:e11054 .

Where to head: environmental conditions shape foraging destinations in a critically endangered seabird. 

  • Authors: Afán, I., Arcos, J.M., Ramírez, F. et al. 
  • Date: February, 2021.
  • Scientific journal: Mar Biol168, 23 (2021). 

Spatiotemporal analyses of tracking data reveal fine-scale, daily cycles in seabird–fisheries interactions. 

  • Authors: Jazel Ouled-Cheikh, Carola Sanpera, Juan Bécares, José Manuel Arcos, Josep Lluís Carrasco, Francisco Ramírez. 
  • Date: December, 2020.
  • Scientific journal: CES Journal of Marine Science, Volume 77, Issue 7-8, Pages 2508–2517. 

Rafting behaviour of seabirds as a proxy to describe surface ocean currents in the Balearic Sea.  

  • Authors: Sánchez-Román, A., Gómez-Navarro, L., Fablet, R. et al. 
  • Date: January, 2019.
  • Scientific journal: Sci Rep9, 17775.

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:
Enhancing Understanding of Marine Habitats

Canal de Mallorca. 2018

Canal de Mallorca. 2019

Canal de Mallorca. 2020

Report on the fishing footprint in the Mallorca Channel. 2022

Continental slope of Murcia and Alicante. 2018

Continental slope of Murcia and Alicante. 2019

Continental slope of Murcia and Alicante. 2020

Cap Breton. 2019

Cap Breton. 2020

Report on the fishing footprint in Cabo Tiñoso. 2021

RN 2000 Andalucía. Caves. 2024

RN 2000 Andalucía. Reefs. 2024

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.
Scientific information for developing management plans

Spatially distributed geomorphological and sedimentary features of the Banco de la Concepción SCI.

Current state of knowledge of the biodiversity of the Banco de la Concepción SCI

The characterisation, mapping, and conservation status of the benthic habitats of the SCI-ESZZ15001 'Banco de La Concepción'

Report on the current state of knowledge regarding the biodiversity of the SCI ‘Marine area of the east and south of Lanzarote-Fuerteventura’

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"

Design and implementation of oceanic surveys for monitoring cetaceans and sea turtles east of the SCI (Eastern and Southern Lanzarote-Fuerteventura Marine Area)

Current State of Biodiversity in Gulf of Cadiz Mud Volcanoes SCI

Report on the spatial distribution of geomorphological and sedimentary features of the Gulf of Cadiz Mud Volcanoes SCI

Report on the characterisation, mapping and conservation status of the benthic habitats of the Gulf of Cadiz mud volcanoes SCI

Spatial distribution of geomorphological and sedimentary characteristics of Seco de los Olivos

Characterisation, mapping and conservation status of the benthic habitats of Seco de los Olivos

Current State of Knowledge on Seco de los Olivos Biodiversity

Current State of Knowledge on Biodiversity of the Illes Columbretes SCI Marine Area

Oceanographic Campaign Report: Columbretes Islands 2020

Oceanographic Campaign Report: Columbretes Islands 2021

Report on the characterisation, mapping and conservation status of the benthic habitats of the SCI Marine Area around the Columbretes Islands

Current state of knowledge on the biodiversity of the Canal de Menorca SCI

Spatial distribution of geomorphological and sedimentary features of Banco de Galicia

Current state of knowledge on the biodiversity of the Banco de Galicia SCI

Report on the characterisation, mapping and conservation status of the benthic habitats of the SCI-ESZZ12001 "Banco de Galicia"

Report on the update of the spatial limits of the new Management Plan for the El Cachucho Marine Protected Area

Report on the current state of knowledge on the biodiversity of the Avilés underwater canyon system

Report on the spatial distribution of the geomorphological and sedimentary features of the Aviles underwater canyon system

Report on the characterisation, mapping and conservation status of the benthic habitats of the SCI- ESZZ12003 “Avilés Underwater Canyon System"

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

Research campaign to assess the effects of fishing on benthic habitats in Banco de la Concepción

Research campaign to assess the effects of fishing on benthic habitats in the Avilés Canyon

Research campaign to assess the effects of fishing on benthic habitats in the Gulf of Cadiz

Diagnosis of the impact of professional fishing activity on the benthic habitats of the LIC Banco de la Concepción

Diagnosis of the impact of professional fishing activity on benthic habitats in the SCI Volcanes de Fango del Golfo de Cádiz

Diagnosis of the impact of professional fishing activity on benthic habitats in the SCI Avilés Underwater Canyon System

Diagnosis of the impact of human activities and climate change on marine RN 2000 and proposals to control, eliminate, or mitigate their effects: Professional Fishing “LIC Sur Almería-Seco de los Olivos”

Improving knowledge of marine species for their conservation and impact mitigation

Improving knowledge of marine species for their conservation and impact mitigation

The LIFE INTEMARES project has promoted different types of actions to improve knowledge about marine species: oceanographic campaigns, photo identification, passive acoustics, satellite tagging of cetaceans, birds, and turtles, monitoring of animals after they have been treated in wildlife recovery centers due to interaction with human activities, etc. All the information obtained will serve as a basis for promoting the declaration of new areas, developing strategies and plans for the conservation of threatened species, and designing specific conservation measures for each species. The following are scientific reports derived from the project's actions:
Improving knowledge of marine species for their conservation and impact mitigation

Satellite tagging of loggerhead turtle hatchlings from nests on the Spanish coast that have been part of head-starting programs at authorized centers. 2025

Tagging and remote monitoring of 12 loggerhead sea turtles captured in gillnets and/or amputations due to entanglement. 2025

Conservation status of the noble pen shell (Pinna nobilis) in the Mar Menor lagoon. 2024

Design and implementation of ocean campaigns for monitoring cetaceans and sea turtles east of the SCI “Marine area of eastern and southern Lanzarote-Fuerteventura.” 2023

Analysis of the distribution and status of the sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) population, as well as the pressures and threats it faces in the Strait. 2023

Analysis of the distribution and status of the long-finned pilot whale (Globicephala melas) population in the eastern Mediterranean (Alboran Sea and Gulf of Vera). 2023

Report on the results of cetacean and turtle monitoring campaigns in the marine area of the “Banks and Gorges of the Alboran Sea” region. 2023

Analysis of the distribution and status of the fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) population, as well as the pressures and threats it faces in the Spanish Mediterranean. 2024

Compilation and analysis of available technical and scientific documentation on the species Grampus griseus in Fuerteventura. 2023

Half-yearly report on the implementation of Grampus griseus campaigns in Fuerteventura. 2024

Improving knowledge of the green turtle (Chelonia mydas) in the Canary Islands archipelago and proposing conservation measures. 2023

Compilation of technical information and campaign design. Minimization of Cetacean Collisions in the Balearic Islands. 2022

Annual activity report. Minimization of Cetacean Collisions in the Balearic Islands. 2022

Annual activity report. Minimization of Cetacean Collisions in the Balearic Islands. 2024

Report on knowledge of cetaceans and sea turtles in the Gulf of Cádiz and Strait of Gibraltar in the period 1996-2022. 2022

Report on winter campaigns to monitor cetaceans and turtles in the marine area west of the Strait of Gibraltar. 2022

Report on summer campaigns to monitor cetaceans and turtles in the marine area west of the Strait of Gibraltar. 2022

Report on knowledge of cetaceans and sea turtles in the Strait and Alboran Sea area in the period 1990-2022. 2022

Report on cetacean and turtle monitoring campaigns in the marine area “Banks and gorges of the Alboran Sea.” 2022

Report on the second monitoring campaign for cetaceans and turtles in the marine area “Banks and gorges of the Alboran Sea.” 2023

Marine governance and Training

Marine governance and Training

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 governance and Training

Marine Natura 2000 Network Governance Strategy Synthesis Document

Governance strategy for the marine Natura 2000 Network.

Guide to Participatory Processes for the Governance Strategy of the Marine Natura 2000 Network

Training sessions have already been held for Public Administrations on the management of the Natura 2000 Network and marine biodiversity during its implementation, with over 7,000 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

Training strategy for managers and users of the marine protected areas within the Natura 2000 Network

Management and evolution of the project’s impact

Management and evolution of the project’s impact

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.
Management and evolution of the project’s impact

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.

Geographic Information System Protocol

We have developed instruments to increase the social benefits and reduce the environmental impact of LIFE INTEMARES acquisitions.

Sustainable procurement plan

Manual on Sustainable Procurement

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

Carbon footprint report 2017-2018

Carbon footprint report 2019

Carbon footprint report 2020

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

Baseline and evaluation of the impacts on marine biodiversity conservation of the actions of the LIFE INTEMARES project

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

Executive Summary: Assessment and Valuation of Marine Ecosystem Services in Spain's Natura 2000 Network

Executive Summary Evaluation and assessment of marine services report

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:
Studies on the socioeconomic impact of the project

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

Impacts on income and employment arising from the LIFE INTEMARES project. Baseline Report

Impact of LIFE INTEMARES Project on Income and Employment. Status Report I

Impacts on income and employment arising from the LIFE INTEMARES project. Status Report I

Protocol for evaluating and monitoring the socioeconomic impact of the LIFE INTEMARES project

Protocol for assessing and monitoring the socioeconomic impact of the LIFE INTEMARES project on the economy and population

Impact of LIFE INTEMARES Project on Income and Employment. Status Report II

Publications on adapting to climate change

Publications on adapting to climate change

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.”
Publications on adapting to climate change

Methodology for analysing the risk of marine protected areas of the Natura 2000 Network in the face of climate change

Annex 1. Literature Review of Climate Change Risk Analysis Studies

Annex 2. Handbook for Conducting Qualitative Risk Analysis of Climate Change in Marine Protected Areas

Executive summary of the Menorca Canal SCI

Executive summary of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia Maritime-Terrestrial National Park

Executive summary of the Odiel Marshes SCI (Huelva)

Executive summary of the ZEC Playas de Sotavento de Jandía (Fuerteventura)

Risk analysis of the Alborán Island Marine Special Protection Area and Alborán Marine Site of Community Importance

Publications on marine non-native species

Publications on marine non-native species

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).
Publications on marine non-native species

Report on the current state of knowledge regarding “ACTIONS FOR CONTROLLING NON-NATIVE SPECIES” (2020)

Report on Impacts of Non-Native and Invasive Species in RN2000 (2021)

Annex I: Presence of EAI in Natura 2000 sites (2021)

Risk Analysis Report on Alien and Invasive Species in the Natura 2000 sites (2023)

Appendix I: Atlas of non-native and invasive species on the Spanish coast (2023)

Annex II: Presence of EAI in Natura 2000 sites and impact assessment (2023)

Reports on pollution and marine litter

Reports on pollution and marine litter

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.
Reports on pollution and marine litter

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.

General criteria document for fishing for litter

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 Discarded 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.
Surveillance and monitoring of the 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

Additionally, we conducted a study on the feasibility of adapting new monitoring technologies to the marine areas of the Natura 2000 network.

Study to assess the feasibility of using new technologies in marine Natura 2000 network monitoring tasks

Promoting blue entrepreneurship

Promoting blue entrepreneurship

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:
Promoting blue entrepreneurship

Initiatives to support blue entrepreneurship at national and international level

SWOT analysis of the ecosystem supporting blue entrepreneurship in Spain

Analysis of opportunities to support blue entrepreneurship

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