Identification of the main threats to the health and conservation status of protected species of marine megafauna in the Canary Islands (SAFAMAR)
FEDER
The project aims to analyse the impact of human activities and climate change on the threatened marine megafauna of the Canary Islands, through the health study of stranded or accidentally captured specimens. The aim is to expand knowledge of the health status of cetaceans, sea turtles and elasmobranchs through laboratory analyses (chemical, microbiological, parasitological, toxicological, genetic, among others) that allow detecting threats and estimating risk factors. The data will be integrated into multivariate statistical analyses to identify patterns relevant to conservation. In addition, an outreach programme will be developed to raise awareness in society about the importance of health surveillance of these species.
Line of action:
Marine ecosystemsStatus:
En ejecuciónLocation:
Canary IslandsGeographic scope:
EspañaExecution date:
2026End date:
2028Duration:
01/02/2026 - 30/09/2028Total budget:
409.700 €Amount of aid from the Biodiversity Foundation:
348.245 €The project contributes directly to the conservation of threatened marine megafauna in the Canary Islands through the early detection of health and environmental threats. By generating knowledge about the impact of human activities and emerging pollutants on cetaceans, turtles and elasmobranchs, it allows the identification of risk factors and the guidance of more effective management measures. The integration of health and ecological data strengthens environmental monitoring and facilitates evidence-based responses. In addition, it improves institutional capacity to prevent and mitigate impacts, contributing to compliance with biodiversity, ecosystem health and adaptation to climate change regulations. Together, it strengthens the protection of the marine environment and the sustainability of coastal ecosystems.
To analyse the state of health of the populations of marine megafauna in the Canary Islands through the study of stranded or accidentally captured specimens, through the application of conventional and state-of-the-art analysis and diagnostic techniques, for the detection of risk factors and threats to their conservation.
- Comprehensive health diagnosis of stranded or accidentally captured specimens of cetaceans, sea turtles and elasmobranchs, including: identification of injuries related to human activities.
- Detection of infectious, parasitic and polluting agents.
- Evaluation of the physiological and bodily state of individuals. Determination of age, ecotype/subpopulation.
- Integrated health and ecological database, with standardized multispecies information that will allow: identification of health trends. Correlations between ecological, geographical, and pathological variables.
- Multivariate statistical analysis of data to identify risk factors associated with mortality or health deterioration. Detect emerging or regional threats to marine megafauna.
- Scientific dissemination programme.
Identification of the main threats to the health and conservation status of protected species of marine megafauna in the Canary Islands (SAFAMAR)
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