Seabed Conservation in the spotlight: Alfonso Ramos opens XVII “Torrevieja y el Mar” Cycle
Torrevieja, spain – On monday, 22 September 2025, the XVII Ciclo “Torrevieja y el Mar” organized by Ars Creatio opened with a talk by Alfonso Ramos, professor emeritus at the University of Alicante (UA), who emphasized the beauty, scientific value and urgent need to protect our seafloors.
Conference highlights: what was said and why it matters
- Speaker: Alfonso Ramos, Professor Emeritus, University of Alicante (UA).
- Event: First lecture in the XVII Ciclo Torrevieja y el Mar (Ars Creatio cultural series).
- Focus: The ecological importance of seabeds (marine bottoms), their beauty and the conservation efforts required to protect them.
- Audience: Local residents, students, researchers and cultural community members interested in maritime heritage and marine conservation.
Why seafloors (seabeds) matter
During his presentation, Ramos described how seafloors are far more than mud and sand – they are living ecosystems that support biodiversity, fisheries and coastal resilience. Key reasons seabeds are critically important:
- Biodiversity hotspots: Seafloors host a wide range of species, from seagrasses and corals to invertebrates and fish.
- Nurseries for fisheries: Many commercially important species rely on seabed habitats during parts of their life cycle.
- Carbon storage: Some seabed habitats, such as seagrass meadows and certain sediments, capture and store carbon (a natural climate ally).
- Cultural and scientific value: Seafloors hold archaeological remains and are essential for research and education.
Main threats to seabed ecosystems
Ramos also stressed that seabeds face growing pressures. The most common threats discussed at the lecture included:
- Bottom trawling and destructive fishing practices
- Pollution, including plastics and chemical contaminants
- Coastal progress and habitat loss
- Climate change impacts (warming, acidification, altered currents)
- Invasive species and fragmented habitats
Protection and restoration measures – what can be done
The lecture highlighted practical tools and policies that can help protect seabeds:
- Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Designation and effective management of MPAs to conserve critical seabed habitats.
- Lasting fishing: gear restrictions, no-trawl zones and community-based fisheries management.
- Restoration efforts: Seagrass and reef restoration projects to rebuild habitats.
- Monitoring and research: Scientific surveys, mapping and long-term monitoring programs.
- Public awareness and education: Cultural events, local involvement and training to foster stewardship.
Fast reference: threats vs. protection measures
| Threat | Protection / Action |
|---|---|
| Bottom trawling | No-trawl zones, sustainable gear |
| Pollution (plastics, chemicals) | Waste controls, clean-up campaigns |
| Habitat loss (coastal works) | Impact assessments, habitat offsets |
| Climate change | Carbon mitigation, resilient MPAs |
Local and regional relevance
The Mediterranean - and the valencian coastline around Torrevieja – is home to a mosaic of seafloor habitats that are both ecologically valuable and under pressure from human activities. Events like the ars Creatio cycle bring scientific insight into public spaces, helping communities and policymakers better understand how to balance use and protection.
Takeaways and next steps
- Seafloors deserve more attention: they are vital for biodiversity, fisheries and climate resilience.
- Conservation requires a mix of science, policy and local engagement.
- Public lectures and cultural programs – such as the Torrevieja y el Mar cycle – play an important role in raising awareness and building support for protective measures.