Vibrant Vera Frightfully fishy

THE University of Almeria has adopted a total of 318 juvenile gilthead sea bream from the Aquarium Costa de Almeria in Roquetas de Mar.

The fish have an average weight of 65 grams and come from two research projects carried out by the academic institution, both linked to feeding for the production and fattening of this species, the Sparus Aurata, in controlled conditions in their own environment.

The first project looks at different methods of drying and degreasing insect meal to be used as a substitute for fishmeal in feed for sea bream.

The second project has researchers from the University of Almeria studying “how the method of insect sacrifice and the drying temperature of the insect meal affects its nutritional value.”

The sea bream specimens are currently at Aquarium Costa de Almeria’s facilities in the quarantine tanks. They will remain there until the end of the summer when they will be transferred to the exhibition aquariums with the rest of the marine species.

VERA Town Council has now presented its Beach Plan for the summer offering a wide range of equipment and infrastructures.

The councillor for Beaches, Pedro Salas, confirmed: “More than 20 lifeguards distributed in eight towers and seven surveillance chairs will ensure the safety of Vera’s beaches.

“We also have two rapid intervention vehicles (4x4 and quad) and two rescue boats (jet ski and semi­rigid boat).”

The rescue, lifeguard and first aid service will also be responsible for meeting the needs of adapted bathing at the three Accessible Bathing points set up on the beaches of Las Marinas ­ Bolaga,

Puerto Rey and El Playazo.

At these points, users with disabilities can enjoy bathing with safe routes from the parking spaces reserved for people with reduced mobility to the sea. This is thanks to removable concrete walkways and extensions with roll ­ up walkways to the bathing area. The adapted beaches are also equipped with crutches and amphibious chairs for both adults and children, as well as adapted toilets, showers and footbaths and shaded areas.