Cousteau's footsteps are being followed by schoolchildren

It is possible that one day, among them, someone will follow the example of Jacques Cousteua to pursue research into the marine environment. It is likely that in the next few years, that mystery will be solved. However, it is certain that at least one of the 1,500 children from 18 schools in Levante Almeria who participated in a workshop about marine biodiversity that was given by experts from the Center for Scientific Collections of the University of Almeria ( Cecoual ) is still hungry to learn more about the deeps of life.

These Primary and Secondary students, through two sessions that consist of three workshops, are becoming scientists during June. They discover the marine biodiversity in Levante Almeria from Cecoual.

Two sessions were provided by Cecoual experts to schools that are planning on hosting three workshops. They have taught students the importance of marine biodiversity, how to do citizen science and sampled through the iNaturalist application with citizen collaboration. This creates a volunteer network with the fishing industry, associations linked to them, educational centers, and citizens in general, both those who reside in Levante Almeria as well as those who visit our coast.

A 'Guide To Algae' has been created that outlines the main characteristics of each species. These are the 39 most common species of marine phanerogams and algae that we have on our coasts. These illustrations allow us to identify the most common alga found on Almeria's Levante beaches.

These guides will be given to students in order for them to identify the seagrasses and algae they find at coast level. Students will be able to identify the algae and seagrasses they find at the coast. This is the goal. All observations of students are included in the project. This highlights the importance data provides for the development of Cecoual's goals.

This guide can be found on the University of Almeria's website. It contains scientific illustrations by Manuel Garcia Gonzalez as well as texts that help to identify them by Manuel Garcia and Pepa Korbacho. You can also follow the steps for citizen science within the marine alga project with 'iNaturalist' on the internet.

The Levante Almeriense Fisheries Development Group, (GALP), of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries and Sustainable Development through European Maritime and Fisheries Funds (FEMP), of the European Union (EU) funds this initiative.