A marine observatory to monitor the state of the sea in Cabrera Park

The Marine Observatory of Global Change in the National Parks Network (Observatorio TIAMAT) has launched a series of free and open-access tools that provide continuous and updated information on the state of the sea and its variability in the Cabrera Archipelago Maritime-Terrestrial National Park, the Atlantic Islands of Galicia Maritime-Terrestrial National Park, and the marine front of Doñana National Park.

These tools track and alert against extreme oceanic events using satellite data available since 1982, allowing continuous monitoring of the natural marine systems of the National Parks Network to obtain data on temperature, chlorophyll, sea level, and other essential oceanic variables.

The TIAMAT Observatory is a project coordinated by the Institute of Marine Sciences of Andalusia (ICMAN-CSIC), the Coastal Observation and Prediction System of the Balearic Islands (ICTS SOCIB), and the Marine Research Institute of Vigo (IIM-CSIC).

“This technology allows for constant monitoring and immediate response to extreme events, such as marine heatwaves, and informs medium- and long-term planning against global change,” says Mélanie Juza, a researcher at ICTS SOCIB responsible for developing the tools. In this way, the TIAMAT Observatory supports knowledge-based decision-making, directly impacting the sustainable management, conservation, and preservation of biodiversity, ecosystems, and the socio-economic environment of the National Parks with natural marine systems.

The TIAMAT Observatory analyzes the impacts of global change on the marine systems of the National Parks Network, developing tools for monitoring and alerting against extreme oceanic events. By integrating remote sensing into the research and evaluation of marine systems, TIAMAT positions itself as a key initiative in creating a Marine Observatory against climate change in the Cabrera Archipelago Maritime-Terrestrial National Park, the Atlantic Islands of Galicia, and the marine front of Doñana National Park.

As part of its commitment to education and public awareness, the TIAMAT Observatory has also developed a series of free and open-access learning games, aimed at the educational community and the general public. These resources are designed for secondary school students to deepen their understanding of global change and the conservation of National Parks. Using the Kahoot! platform, the games titled "The TIAMAT Observatory and the National Parks against Global Change I. Science" and "The TIAMAT Observatory and the National Parks against Global Change II. Ecosystems" offer an enriching and accessible educational experience for all interested parties.

These educational materials not only aim to inform about the critical importance of National Parks in the fight against climate change but also aspire to inspire future generations in the protection and conservation of our planet.