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Manta ray study launched
ENVIRONMENTALISTS have launched the first ever research project into endangered manta rays in the Balearic Islands.
The Fauna Recovery Consortium (COFIB) is behind the fouryear study to obtain vital information in order to improve the protection and conservation of these animals.
Efforts will focus mainly on two vulnerable species, namely the bottlenose skate and the spiny butterfly ray, although spokespeople for the project explained that other types could also be included.
The COFIB is currently working with fishermen to obtain data regarding accidental catches and to register and test specimens, while divers keep track of numbers and take samples.
A remotecontrolled underwater vehicle will also be employed to study the types of seabed where the rays are spotted.
Efforts will also include campaigns on social media encouraging swimmers and divers to report any sightings of these creatures to the COFIB by emailing faunama rina@cofib.net (with a photograph if possible) or calling 652 037 722.
All information obtained will be used to evaluate the current state of conservation of these species and to draw up protection measures if necessary.
THICK fog and problems with the landing system caused numerous flight cancellations and diversions at Palma’s Son Sant Joan airport on Wednesday February 22.
Spanish and foreign airlines were forced to cancel several flights to the island and divert others to Ibiza and other airports from 7am to around 1pm due to the impossibility to land.
Lack of visibility caused by heavy mist was compounded by the substitution of the Instrumental Landing System (ILS), which temporarily lowered Palma airport’s category from three to one.
This change effectively meant that aeroplanes were unable to land normally during any type of weather problemsuch as fog.
Spokespeople for Spanish airport managing body AENA insisted that the ILS reparation had been scheduled beforehand, and that it was just bad luck that the mist should appear at exactly the same time.
Normal service was expected to be resumed by 1pm.
