Exploring resilience: Animals, tourism, and environmental changes in the Bay of Biscay
In this video and blog post, we explain the unique characteristics of the Bay of Biscay and how we are studying its resilience against pollution and climate change.
You can also watch this video in Spanish or Basque.
Blog author: Prof Ionan Marigomez
Understanding how animals cope with environmental changes is a fascinating field of study, and the Bay of Plentzia in the Basque Country provides the perfect setting for our investigations. This coastal area has a thriving environment, but comes into contact with various sources of human impact, including agriculture, industry, and tourism.
The Bay’s unique features:
Situated in a region known for its cleanliness, the Bay of Plentzia is particularly interesting due to its size, making it conducive to in-depth studies. The area has a river flowing through an agricultural area, and a hospital established over a century ago for tuberculosis treatment. Today, the hospital remains a local facility, highlighting the Bay’s historical significance.
Environmental factors and human impact:
The Bay’s unique features extend to its urban areas, home to around 10,000 people throughout the year. However, during the summer months, the population can triple due to beach and tourism activities, reaching up to 30,000 residents and 60,000 daily visitors. The presence of a wastewater treatment plant, a marine station, and the seasonal influx of people create a dynamic environment, where proper management becomes crucial.
Despite the Vay’s natural beauty, challenges are on the rise. We’ve experienced episodes of unhealthy waters affecting beachgoers risking exposure to infections. The traditional and famous seafood being squid (locally known as begiandi) adds another layer of complexity. Squid harvested from the Bay is a staple in local cuisine, so we need to understand potential risks associated with pollutants and pathogens in the water.
Collaborative research for a sustainable future:
The Plentzia Marine Station which is part of the Centre for Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology (PiE-UPV/EHU), plays a central role in studying the Bay’s coast and ocean. Researchers from diverse disciplines, including ecologists, microbiologists, toxicologists, chemists, beach managers, economists, and sociologists, collaborate to address the complex seasonal challenges.
BlueAdapt’s pilot study in the Bay of Plentzia aims to construct a comprehensive understanding of the Bay’s health, considering various factors like climate change, potential impacts of pathogens, and pollutants. The ultimate goal is to develop a tool that will help predict and prevent environmental challenges. This will provide valuable insights for effective resource management in the future, to guide sustainable practices and resource management.
