European Marine Biology Symposium 2025

We would like to acknowledge our Marine SABRES colleagues from ECOAQUA (Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria) for their recent participation in the 58th edition of the European Marine Biology Symposium (EMBS), held from July 6 to 9 in the Norwegian city of Bodø. 

Presentation 1 - Dr. Inma Herrera

The first research paper was delivered by Dr. Inma Herrera and presented a long-term assessment of whale sighting distribution, using data obtained from an ecotourism company in the southwest of Gran Canaria, in the central-eastern Atlantic Ocean. This area is located near the Guguy region, which is proposed to be designated as a National Park due to its rich biodiversity and the importance of conserving key species, such as cetaceans. The study analyses trends in the presence and absence of these animals over time, correlating them with oceanographic variables. The results help improves our understanding of the factors influencing cetacean distribution in the region and provide valuable information for their conservation, as well as for the management of the ecosystem services these animals provide.

The work presented represents a collaboration between Dr Herrera, Antonio G. Ramos (BIOCON), Ángel Rodríguez-Santana (OFYGA) and the director of the Institute, Ricardo Haroun (BIOCON).

 Dr. Inma Herrera and Jesús Padrón García pictured at this year's EMBS 2025 symposium (Image Credit: ECOAQUA)

Presentation 2 - Jesús Padrón García 

The second research paper delivered as part of EMBS 2025 was delivered by BIOCON researcher Jesús Padrón García. Based in the Guguy, Canary Islands, this research highlighted the ecological importance of Gran Canarias' western coast, and brought significant attention to key marine habitats such as ( e.g. Cymodocea nodosa meadows) and representative marine species (e.g. sea turtles including Caretta caretta and Chelonia mydas).

The western coast of Gran Canaria (Canary Islands, Spain) is considered as a keystone area of subtropical biodiversity in the Central Eastern Atlantic Ocean. The marine area includes habitats and species of conservation interest such as seagrass meadows of Cymodocea nodosa, marine turtles (Caretta caretta and Chelonia mydas), cetaceans (mainly Tursiops truncatus), black coral reefs and emblematic fish. Most of this area is already recognised as a Special Area of Conservation in the Natura 2000 Network (SAC ES7011005 “Sebadales de Güigüí”). We shall introduce its major biological features from planktonic to pelagic species and the socio-cultural environment associated with the official proposal of a novel Spanish National Park. The enactment of the Guguy National Park status will contribute to preserving its exceptional natural heritage and the provision of ecosystem services. 58 This new condition also supports the objectives of the Marine Biological Corridor along the Central Eastern Atlantic Ocean.

The research presented represents a collaboration with members of the BIOCON group including Dr. Inma Herrera, Candelaria Cecilia Ruano, and Ricardo Haroun.

You can access the full programme of events here, and the book of abstracts here.

Session Details

• Inma Herrera, Antonio G. Ramos, Ángel Rodríguez-Santana, and Ricardo Haroun (Oral Presentation) | Title: Long-term assessment of whale-watching trends in the proposed National Park of Guguy (Canary Islands)  Location: Scandic Havet hotel (Bodø, Norway): Tuesday 8 July, 2025 (16:30pm)

• Jesús Padrón García, Candelaria Cecilia Ruano, Inma Herrera, and Ricardo J. Haroun Tabraue (Oral Presentation) | Title: Guguy, a key marine area for a National Park proposal | Location: Scandic Havet hotel (Bodø, Norway): Wednesday 9 July, 2025 (9:50am)