On 20 and 27 September 2025, Llançà became a meeting point for sea lovers and anyone curious and keen to contribute to science. Over the course of two marine bioblitz days, local residents and visitors gathered in the Natura 2000 site of L’Albera to discover, observe and record the biodiversity of this protected area. The initiative, driven by the European project BLUE CONNECT and supported by local organisations, highlighted the great potential of citizen science in understanding and conserving our seas and oceans.
What is a bioblitz?
A bioblitz is a citizen science activity that brings people together with a common goal: to document as many species as possible in a given location within a short period of time. The collective effort of participants creates an instant snapshot of biodiversity, a “photograph” of the state of an ecosystem at a particular moment. The data, shared on open platforms such as iNaturalist, are highly valuable for both research and the management of natural areas.
Diving in the seabed of L’Albera. Credits: SUBMON
In the case of L’Albera, two complementary sessions were held. On 20 September, the activity took place during the day, with participants exploring both shallow areas and deeper waters, photographing fish, invertebrates, and species linked to Posidonia oceanica meadows and rocky seabeds. The second session, on 27 September at nightfall, saw participants’ torches light up the same setting, revealing a different side of the ecosystem, with species and behaviours not observed during the day. The comparison between the two sessions highlights how biodiversity changes depending on the time of day, and showcases the richness and diversity of L’Albera’s marine ecosystem.
In total, 26 people took part in the two bioblitz sessions. The results and a detailed analysis of the biodiversity recorded will be published at a later date. In the meantime, you can explore the iNaturalist projects through the following links:
Serpula vermicularis. Credits: SUBMON
Beyond the specific results, this experience underscores the importance of citizen science as a tool for marine conservation. A bioblitz not only generates valuable data to enhance knowledge and management of a site, but also strengthens people’s connection with the sea. Diving in to observe, document, and share discoveries helps foster a deeper understanding of the richness and fragility of our ecosystems, and reinforces the need to protect them.
As part of the Natura 2000 network, L’Albera is an area of great ecological value. Activities such as this bioblitz help build knowledge while raising awareness and engaging the local community, ensuring its long-term conservation.
