ARCHIVED - Ecological beacons anchored along Orihuela coastline to protect the seabed
56 beacons are being anchored at La Zenia, Punta Prima, La Glea, Barranco Rubio and Cabo Roig beaches in the Vega Baja comarca, Alicante province.
Environmentalists have opted for an ecological alternative to conventional beacons in Orihuela this year anchoring dozens along 8.5km of coastline to protect the seabed.
The difference between ecological and conventional beacons, which mark where deep water lies, is the danger they pose to the seabed. With ecological alternatives, concrete blocks are replaced by anchors that avoid friction with the bottom of the sea.
The entire Orihuela coastline is framed within the marine space of Cabo Roig, which encompasses the coastal area between the municipalities of Guardamar and Pilar de la Horadada.
And since 2009, it has been declared a Site of Community Interest (SCI) and a Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA), with figures analysed by the Natura 2000 Network to ensure the long-term survival of species and most threatened natural habitats in Europe.
And to protect another species in need of conservation, Orihuela has joined the 'Mediterranean Turtles', awareness campaign promoted by the Oceanographic Foundation in collaboration with regional governments, as has Torrevieja, also in the Vega Baja.
The aim is to raise awareness among the public and beach users in order to protect nesting sites, with anyone who spots one urged to leave well alone so as not to disturb or distress the turtles, and to call 112 to report the sighting.
There was an increase in the number of nesting turtles last year, and environmentalists in Orihuela hope "these will be increased this year".
IMAGE: Ayuntamiento de Orihuela