Mediterranean 2007 Expedition: On-board Diary
Seco de los Olivos (day 4)
Author: Ricardo Aguilar
Date: August 1, 2007
More surprises in this area. We continue investigating the area around Seco de los Olivos. Near the main seamount, there is a group of smaller elevations that almost surround it as if they were a crown. All of them are proving to be quite interesting.
Read More...Seco de los Olivos (day 3)
Author: Ricardo Aguilar
Date: July 29, 2007
We continue diving in Almeria in the area of Seco de los Olivos. We have not seen any cetaceans in this area this year, quite the contrary to last year, and we have been here two days with calm seas and excellent visibility. In general, the sightings during the last month and a half can be counted with one hand. We’ve almost seen more swordfish jumping out of the water than dolphins. Each year the situation gets worse. And not many turtles, either.
Read More...Seco de los Olivos (day 1 and 2)
Author: Ricardo Aguilar
Date: July 28, 2007
Once in Almeria, we’ve made the port of Almerimar our base for operations in order to work in Seco de los Olivos between Punta Entinas and Punta Elena.
On the first day, we head out to Seco to see one of the small elevations there are towards the east and to look around the top of the main seamount in the afternoon.
The summit of the small elevation east of Seco is at approximately 90 meters. From there, an area of rockfalls extends to 130 meters and then we reach the sandy sea floors.
Read More...Cabo de Gata
Author: Ricardo Aguilar
Date: July 26, 2007
Today we were going to take a look at the seamounts that appear in the charts approximately 20 miles east of Cabo de Gata. According to the charts we have, the three summits are between 180-2000 meters depth and are located atop a small platform at 900 meters, from here they fall to over 2,000 meters.
Read More...On our way to Cartagena
Author: Ricardo Aguilar
Date: July 22, 2007
On our way to Cartagena to get supplies, do some general cleaning and take care of other things, we stop for a few hours in the island of Las Palomas to take another look at the area.
The divers will explore the area near the seamount located south of the small island while the ROV will work in the east.
This area is invaded by exotic species, such as the red algae Lophocladia lallemandi and Asparagopsis spp., and the colonial coral Oculina patagonica.
Read More...We’re still in Islas Hormigas
Author: Ricardo Aguilar
Date: July 21, 2007
We're now back in Cabo de Palos and we’re going to continue our dives in Islas Hormigas.
Within the Reserve, the divers are finding a large variety of fish, including barracuda (Sphyraena viridensis) and the three species of grouper (Epinephelus marginatus, Epinephelus costae and Mycteroperca rubra). Today, some of the divers told us they saw manta rays (Mobula mobular) in this area.
Read More...Seco de Palos (day 2)
Author: Ricardo Aguilar
Date: July 19, 2007
Today we are really sweating. It’s the hottest day since we began the expedition. But at least the sea is calm and this makes our work much easier.
We continue to work with the ROV in the Seco de Palos. We find remnants of fishing tackle every 20 meters; lines, hooks, nets, etc.
We’re taking advantage of the day and that’s why we woke up even earlier today, in order to get to Cabo de Palo early and make some crew changes.
After three dives at between 100 and 180 meters, now it's time to study the tapes patiently and identify the species.
Read More...Seco de Palos
Author: Ricardo Aguilar
Date: July 18, 2007
Today we must wake up a bit earlier. It will take us more than three hours to reach our destination. As soon as we set sail, we begin seeing the trawlers carrying out their activities. We see them all over for a long time, until the sea floors become deeper, reaching 700-800 meters depth.
The ocean is quite calm and there is barely any wind; the perfect conditions for turtle sighting. The first three appear in front of us and we only have to turn a little to see them up close.
Read More...Isla Hormigas
Author: Ricardo Aguilar
Date: July 17, 2007
Early in the morning we leave Cartagena and set sail towards Cabo de Palos; we will meet with the marine reserve guards there to comment on our plans. The paperwork is quick and we’re wailing towards Bajo de Fuera in no time. The top is located at only 4 meters depth and the northern slope plunges to 35-45 meters depth, while the southern slope plunges to greater depths.
Read More...Cabo de Palos - Islas Hormigas (day 2)
Author: Ricardo Aguilar
Date: July 16, 2007
It looks better this morning, but swells are expected in Cabo de Palos after easterly winds (Levante) have been blowing these past few days. So we won't risk it and we’ll take advantage of the day by concentrating our work in the area between Cabo Tiñoso and La Azohia. This coastal area is still magnificent thanks to its spectacular topography but, above all, because it has not yet been destroyed by property development like most of the Spanish coast. Actually, it’s strange to see the coastline without one building or crane nearby.
Read More...
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