Saving Our Seas in Formentor

Last Saturday we had the opportunity to collaborate with Med Gardens and Cleanwave Foundation in Playa de Formentor in the northern most point of Mallorca. We started the day by taking our big bus down the winding road to arrive to Formentor where we met Jose and Marina from Med Gardens. Med gardens is a local organization that helps regenerate and restore Mediterranean underwater forests. After letting the kids stroll the beach and take in the views at Formentor we got started with our fieldwork assignment with biology teacher, Bea. Our navigators learned more about Mediterranean sea life and had the chance to do some snorkeling to gather information for their photo journals for class.

We spent the morning snorkeling, then after lunch and a little siesta on the beach, Jose and Marina were ready to put us to work. We helped gather data for Med Gardens by measuring amounts of sand, rock, algae and posedonia in the sea parallel to the coastline in 20 meter intervals. Our navigators were out at sea with measuring tape and notepads collecting data while also getting a few dive tips from Marina.

It was a great learning experience for the kids to be able to work hands on with Med Gardens and to collect actual data that will be used in their research. We also had the chance to spend some time with a few Oxford fellows who are studying sustainability and doing research in Mallorca this summer. I think our navigators enjoyed their fieldwork day at Formentor, who wouldn't with those views!