Balearic Islands Oceanographic Centre (COB-IEO)

Every summer, algal blooms are common, from the Cantabrian Sea to the Mediterranean. Most play essential roles in aquatic ecosystems and have a high capacity to absorb CO₂. However, some can also cause problems, as is the case with the invasive alga Rugulopteryx okamurae, which has been spreading along the Spanish coastline for a decade.

According to a study off the coasts of France, Italy, Spain, Croatia, Slovenia and Greece, catches of threatened elasmobranchs are higher in partially protected areas than in unprotected areas, suggesting that small-scale fishing may be affecting these species.