Actions for the development of the Marine Species Stranding Network of the Valencian Community

This project is based on the coordination and development of the "Generalitat Valenciana's protocol for attending to strandings", which involves close collaboration between the University of Valencia (UV), the Generalitat Valenciana (GVA) and the Oceanogràfic Foundation (FO), as has been the case in recent years. Attention to sea turtle nesting events has been coordinated within the same protocol and between the same institutions.

Acronym

VARACOMVAL

Description

In 1988, the collaboration between the Generalitat Valenciana and the University of Valencia began for the creation and development of the Network of Strandings of cetaceans and sea turtles of the Valencian Community as sentinels of Biodiversity, which has given rise to more than a hundred scientific publications. This network will be reinforced thanks to the present project by attending to the strandings to date of 1518 cetaceans and 2127 turtles, not only of these groups of protected species, but also of endangered elasmobranchs. Data and biological samples will be taken from the individuals to analyse natural parameters, detect anthropogenic pressures and threats to their populations. In addition, particular attention will be paid to loggerhead turtle nesting events for their protection and control. All of this will contribute to obtaining information aimed at developing conservation plans and strategies for these species.