Luis Martín is responsible for “In Action for the Sea.” Aboard his research vessel, the “Misty Witch,” they navigate and carry out activities related to environmental protection and to improve knowledge of marine fauna and ecology.
We thank Luis Martín for sharing his project with our readers in this interesting interview.
Luis, How did your passion for the sea begin?
How did you get started in sailing?
My hobby arose after several years of volunteering for the sea turtle and cetacean stranding network in the province of Almería. When I began volunteering for the ANSE (Association of Naturalists of the Southeast) in Cartagena, studying cetacean and sea turtle populations, after seeing and caring for so many dead animals on the beaches of Almería, being able to study them alive and in the wild was something that hooked me.
I started sailing with our first 6.4-meter sailboat, the “Andretti,” a racing boat that was not very automated and uncomfortable for our activities. Later, I improved significantly with our 10-meter ketch, the “Misty Witch,” a training sailboat.
So that our readers can better understand “En Acción por el Mar“,
how did this project come about and what are its objectives?
It emerged from a group of environmentalist friends and marine activists who felt the need to operate with a boat that would allow us to be present at sea.
The main objectives are to understand and defend the sea, through the study of cetacean populations and the dissemination of marine environmental values and problems. To this end, we involve citizens through volunteering to carry out various activities such as censuses, removal of floating debris, and collaborations with other associations and causes. All of this showcases everything we know about marine ecology, navigation, safety at sea, and more.
“En Acción por el Mar” you carry out various activities, mainly on the coast of Almería. Which ones would you highlight?
– Cetacean and sea turtle censuses.
– Floating debris collection.
– Environmental education.
– Introducing navigation to interested parties, etc.
What is the sailboat “Misty Witch” like?
It’s a sturdy and reliable 10-meter-long (two-masted) ketch that can accommodate a maximum of 10 people on board.
We use it to sail to Morocco, Murcia, the Strait of Gibraltar, and more.
Dolphins, turtles, and other marine life frequently suffer accidents. What would you highlight or what should be avoided?
Some species struggle to react at high speeds, so speeds above 9 knots can cause accidents. Avoid approaching within 60 meters, never reverse, or jump into the water.
There are regulations for approaching these animals: Real decreto 1727/2007, de Diciembre 21, establishing measures for the protection of cetaceans, aims to implement certain measures that contribute to ensuring the survival and favorable conservation status of these species.
Human-made pollution is causing significant damage to our seas and oceans. What are we doing wrong?
– Plastic and waste dumping.
– Overfishing and habitat destruction.
– Chemical pollution.
– Climate change.
A product of our way of life and poor government policies.
How can we improve the situation?
– Reduce plastics and waste.
– Sustainable fishing (Consume responsible fishing products and support green regulations)
– Less pollution: Reduce the use of toxic chemicals and improve wastewater treatment.
– Climate action: Reduce CO₂ emissions with renewable energy and sustainable transportation.
The solution requires individual commitment and global policies to protect our seas and oceans.
Many of our readers are sailors on cruising sailboats. How do you think they can help protect the seas and oceans aboard a sailboat?.
Be active observers of the environment and report important observations. There are platforms for reporting marine wildlife encounters, or violations toward the sea or animals.
Of course, don’t throw anything into the sea, and report objects that are dangerous to navigation.
Reduce your speed and collaborate with marine protection organizations.
How can you contribute to “En Acción por el Mar”?
From “Teaming” patronage (with a contribution of one euro per month) to one-time donations, to becoming a member and participating in our daily or week-long sailings.
We also organize maintenance work days on our sailboat and have car advertisements as a way to contribute.
Finally, Luis, looking to the future, what challenges or new projects does “En Acción por el Mar” have in store for the coming years?.
Continue studying cetacean populations and marine life, involve more people in our work, and raise awareness.
We also need to upgrade our beloved “Misty Witch” to a slightly larger sailboat that will facilitate our activities (we accept a sailboat donation).
You can find more information at the following link:
From “Navegantes Oceánicos” we thank Luis for his collaboration with this interview and his photographs of dolphins and turtles, and we wish him good luck with his project “En Acción por el Mar” and safe sailing.
