Protecting Risso's dolphins and Loggerhead sea turtles in the Mediterranean with Alnitak
We are proud to fund Alnitak’s research conducted under the MEDTOP program, contributing to one of Europe’s largest datasets for cetacean and marine turtle conservation. In 2023, the team deployed satellite transmitters on loggerhead turtles and gathered valuable sighting data on endangered species such as Risso’s dolphins—considered potential indicator species for open sea Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the Mediterranean.
The primary objective of the program is to mitigate the impact of abandoned fishing gear in the open sea. In 2023 alone, over 40 m³ of marine debris—primarily ghost gear—was removed from the Mediterranean. With the support of the Ocean Born Foundation, Alnitak could increase media visibility around critical issues such as illegal drift net activities in the Alborán Sea, and continue improving its ghost gear reporting protocols, turtle rescue operations, development of intelligent anchored fish aggregating devices (aFADs) to support more sustainable fisheries, and expansion of its operations into Moroccan waters.
About Alnitak
Alnitak Research Institute is a Spanish non-profit organisation, founded by two young Greenpeace activists. In 1989, they restored a historical fishing boat by the name of Toftevaag that is still used today with the purpose of developing science and education programs centred around the ocean. We have been working with them over this year and truly admire the work that they do. If you are curious about the impact that your contribution can make, Alnitak takes in volunteers, inviting people to see firsthand how they can contribute to ocean protection.
