Underwater photography as a tool to connect with the Illa de l’Aire Marine REserve

Around twenty people took part in the Underwater Photography Workshop in the Marine Reserve of Illa de l’Aire, an initiative of the Fòrum Illa de l’Aire project, promoted by Menorca Preservation with the collaboration of Fundación Marilles, the support of the Asociación Leader Isla de Menorca and the technical participation of IME-OBSAM and GOB Menorca.

The workshop was divided into two complementary sessions. The first, theoretical in nature, took place on 11 July in collaboration with the Audiovisual Competition for the Conservation of the Balearic Sea (MARE), and included content on underwater photography and the importance of passive observation as a respectful method of exploring marine ecosystems. For this, support was also provided by OM-System, which supplied the Olympus TG7 underwater cameras used during the workshop.

Furthermore, the central theme of the theoretical session was chosen by the participants themselves through a previous form, with the aim of tailoring the content to their interests. Thus, Maria Elena Cefalì, a researcher at the Jaume Ferrer Research Station, dedicated a significant part to marine biology of flora and fauna, and offered a brief presentation on the results of the scientific monitoring of fish vulnerable to fishing. Then, Eva Marsinyach, technical researcher at IME-OBSAM, presented the importance of marine protected areas as a key tool for the conservation of coastal ecosystems. Finally, Marina Bolaños, representing the citizen science initiative Observadores del Mar, explained how anyone can collaborate in the collection of environmental data, contributing to the monitoring and protection of the marine environment through this participatory platform.

The second day, held on 12 July, took the group to Isla del Aire for a guided practical snorkelling and underwater photography session, during which some participants who had never visited the island had the chance to approach the lighthouse, thus discovering one of its most emblematic spots.

The activity ended with a pica-pica in Punta Prima, a moment in which participants were able to review the photographs taken and share their experiences.

This activity forms part of the Fòrum Illa de l’Aire’s line of work aimed at promoting citizen participation and active knowledge of this special protected marine environment. Initiatives like this help strengthen the link between the community and the Marine Reserve, raise environmental awareness and encourage co-responsibility in the conservation of the marine natural heritage.

“The workshop has been a close and stimulating way to connect with the marine reserve from an artistic, scientific and respectful perspective, thus awakening sensitivity to its ecological value. The great reception it received shows that there is a real interest in understanding and protecting the marine environment. Activities like this strengthen the bond between citizens and the territory and promote active involvement in its conservation.” – Aina Blanco-Magadán, coordinator of the Fòrum Illa de l’Aire project.

“Underwater photography gives us the opportunity to bring to light what would otherwise remain hidden beneath the water. It allows us to show through images the state of conservation of the Balearic Sea, its richness, its beauty and its threats, the intimacy of the beings that inhabit it and the importance of taking a stand in its conservation. Photography forces you to pay attention to what you are seeing.” – Abraham Calero, technical coordinator of MARE.

The workshop not only served to bring photographic technique closer to the participants, but also created a space for reflection on the importance of preserving the ecological values of the reserve and the role that citizens can play in its protection and monitoring.

Next steps

Following the success of the workshop, the Fòrum Illa de l’Aire project team is studying the possibility of repeating this experience in future editions, as well as organising new participatory activities that continue to bring the marine reserve closer to the public.

In addition, in the coming weeks a selection of the photographs taken during the workshop will be shared, as a way of giving something back to the community and continuing to raise awareness about the beauty and fragility of the marine environment.