Launched at the end of 2024, the RESILIA project continues to move steadily towards its main goal: strengthening the conservation of Posidonia oceanica within the marine Natura 2000 sites along the northern coast of Catalonia through actions in mooring fields and citizen engagement. The project is already underway and has begun to implement multiple actions, including those aimed at encouraging the active participation of citizens and increasing knowledge and environmental awareness of Neptune seagrass and its protection.
With the arrival of summer and the increase in human activity along the coast, these initiatives become even more relevant. This is precisely the time of year when it becomes crucial to engage everyone who enjoys the sea in safeguarding its most valuable habitats. In this context, RESILIA is promoting several citizen-focused initiatives this summer to help bring people closer to this iconic Mediterranean species and highlight the value of marine Natura 2000 areas.
A contest to explore Neptune seagrass and marine Natura 2000 sites more closely
One of this summer’s key activities is an underwater photography contest, created to showcase the natural richness of protected marine areas. Through the lens of those who dive into these unique seascapes, the contest invites participants to discover not only P. oceanica itself, but also the biodiversity it shelters and the ecological significance of marine Natura 2000 sites as refuges for marine life and natural heritage.
The contest will have three editions (one in 2025 and two in 2026), each focusing on a different marine Natura 2000 site within the project’s scope. This year’s edition centres on the Massís de les Cadiretes, a site of high ecological value, known for its stunning underwater landscapes and rich marine biodiversity.
This is a great opportunity for underwater photography enthusiasts to share their perspective and help raise awareness of these unique ecosystems. Images may be submitted in three categories:
- Underwater landscapes, capturing the beauty of the underwater scenery within the different marine Natura 2000 areas.
- Biodiversity associated with Neptune seagrass meadows, focusing on the species that use these seagrass habitats for shelter.
- Marine flora and fauna, open to all species found within the marine Natura 2000 sites, beyond the Neptune seagrass meadows.
Entries are open until 31 October 2025 and should be submitted by email to comunicacio@submon.org, following the contest guidelines. Finalist images will receive prizes and will be featured in a travelling exhibition linked to the project. They may also be used in awareness-raising and communication activities, with full credit given to the photographers.
Cuttlefish among Neptune seagrass. Photo credits: SUBMON.
MINKA: citizen science to protect the seabed
Another of the project’s main initiatives is active collaboration through the citizen science platform MINKA, which facilitates direct participation in the observation and conservation of the marine environment.
Through a partnership agreement with this platform, the project encourages volunteers to help identify and report three key types of elements: macro-waste affecting Posidonia oceanica meadows (Marine Litter category), the detection of invasive algae such as Caulerpa cylindracea, Caulerpa taxifolia, and Rugulopteryx okamurae, and the identification of live specimens of Noble pen shells (Pinna nobilis).
Each submission must include a precise location (coordinates or map point), the date of the observation, and the name of the species or object documented. All records are stored in the platform’s database, generating useful data for the management and conservation of these areas.
If you’d like to get involved, you can access the project directly here. You can also consult the detailed user guide for the platform here to answer any questions or find more information.
Infographic about good anchoring practices
Coinciding with the peak boating season, RESILIA has created an infographic that explains, in a simple and visual way, how boats can anchor responsibly, minimising their impact on Neptune seagrass.
This material is aimed specifically at sailors and has been designed to be distributed to town halls, ports, yacht clubs and boat rental companies, where it will serve as a practical reference for more responsible anchoring.
Detail from the educational poster.
