Do you know how to act if you find a marine animal in distress?

The Conservation Area of the Oceanogràfic Foundation in Valencia has launched a campaign to inform sailors and sea users on what to do if they encounter a marine animal in distress during their travels in the Mediterranean Sea.

During the summer season, outings to sea increase for both expert sailors and amateurs who take advantage of the good weather to enjoy their passion: sailing. It is quite common during these voyages in the Mediterranean to come across marine animals in trouble, whether they are turtles injured or trapped in plastics or nets, disoriented cetaceans, or even dead dolphins.

In fact, some of these cases have occurred in recent years on the coasts of Mallorca, such as dolphins found dead near Sa Ràpita, a whale trapped in a fishing net near Cala Millor, or countless turtles with injured shells or fins caught.

Some of these species are endangered, which is why the Oceanogràfic Foundation in Valencia asks sailors who encounter any of these situations to call 112 to activate the Stranding Network, and a rescue team will come to the site to take care of the situation or inform sailors about the protocol to follow.

While waiting for professionals, it is important not to enter the water to try to help the animal or remove the entangled net, nor to feed it or remove debris from the affected area, as this could worsen the situation.

The Conservation Area will take care of the animal's recovery and its possible return to the marine environment.