@biomarato
Last Saturday, November 9, the Fishing Interpretation Center (CIP) of L’Ametlla de Mar was the scene of the Volunteer Festival, a meeting that served to celebrate the closing of BioMARató 2024 and recognize the work of the participants in this citizen science project.
The event, promoted by the Institute of Marine Sciences (ICM-CSIC) and supported by entities such as the Catalan Federation of Underwater Activities (FECDAS), the Oceanic Association, Annelids – Marine Environmental Services and Plankton Diving, brought together enthusiasts and experts in the field of marine biodiversity to reward the efforts and involvement of the community throughout the year.
The day began with several optional activities in the early hours, including a group diving and snorkeling trip, organized on the beach in collaboration with Plancton Diving.
The main event began with a welcome from the mayor of Ametlla de Mar, Eva del Amo, and Jaume Piera, ICM-CSIC researcher and head of BioMARató, who thanked the community for their commitment and highlighted the importance of citizen science for the conservation of our marine environment. During the celebration, a new promotional video was released, the results of the 2024 edition were shared, and prizes were awarded to the winning participants, with prizes such as guided diving trips and marine biology courses, courtesy of the organizing entities and Cressi. During the event, a game of guessing species using mobile phones was also played, which, according to the audience, was one of the most fun activities of the event.
The final point was put by a pleasant snack, where attendees were able to share experiences and future projects. The Volunteer Festival was consolidated as a space of gratitude and recognition for all the people who have contributed to BioMARató 2024, a project that not only promotes knowledge and conservation of marine biodiversity, but also strengthens the bonds of the community in the fight to preserve our marine environment.
Prizes BioMARathon Catalonia 2024
General:
- 1st prize: €200 voucher to spend at the Cressi store – Edu Alcañiz
- 2nd prize: €100 voucher to spend at the Cressi store – Jose Manuel Moral
- 3rd prize: €50 voucher to spend at the Cressi store – Miquel Figueras
Barcelona Province:
- 1st prize: Diving trip to observe gorgonians in Barcelona with FECDAS – Nuria Gonzalez Carretero
- 2nd prize: 2 scuba diving spots with marine biology workshop included, with Annelids and Free and divers – Nuria Gonzalez Cubells
- 3rd prize: Game of BCN FISH + Participatory Guide of the Barcelonès d’Anèllides – Virginia Abenia
Tarragona Province:
- 1st prize: Training course on seagrass sampling (Posidonia oceanica and Cymodocea nodosa) with scientific immersion within the ENDÈMICS PROJECT, courtesy of the Oceánicos Association / “Introduction to Marine Biology” course with Plankton Diving – Guillem Mayor
- 2nd prize: Guided dive from a boat with the Oceánicos Association / 2 places for scuba diving with Plankton Diving – Anna Canela
- 3rd prize: Guided dive from the beach with the Oceánicos Association / 2 places for guided snorkeling with Plankton Diving – Eva Ramírez
Girona Province:
- 1st prize: Diving trip to the Medes Islands with the ANERIS project (FECDAS) – Miquel Pontes
- 2nd prize: Diving trip to Platja d’Aro with the ANERIS project (FECDAS) – Adrià Compte
- 3rd prize: Copy of the book “Practical guide to photographing nudibranchs of the Spanish coast” by Xavier Salvador (ICM-CSIC) – Manel Ortega
Random prizes:
- 5 places in the online underwater photography course with Xavier Salvador, courtesy of the ICM team: David Marco, Gonzalo Zafra, Jaume Alaball, Albert Vim and Conxi.
Scientific diving course with FECDAS – Enric Badosa
7 places in guided snorkeling with the ICM team in April, to participate in the BioDiverCiutat – City Nature Challenge: Estrella Ribó, Nerea Vieitez, Joan Diví, Pau Pagès, Marta Nadal, David Alandí, Irene Bernabeu.