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The Murcian municipality of Águilas has been chosen as the site for the first marine species production centre in the Region. With an investment of four million euros, the scientific facility will focus on cultivating threatened plant and animal marine species that will eventually be moved to the Mar Menor to rejuvenate the damaged ecosystem.

 

For now, the project will focus on seed-bearing water plants such as Cymodocea nodosa and Cymodocea zostera, and fish such as seahorses, although the inclusion of other endangered Mediterranean species in the future has not been ruled out.

 

The production centre will be located on a plot of 6,900 metres in La Loma, next to the Cañarete rambla and near a desalination plant, which will supply water to the breeding facilities. Construction is expected to begin this year and by 2023, the first species will be ready to be moved to the Mar Menor.

 

Also of interest: Illegal irrigation cut off in more than 1,000 hectares of Mar Menor farmland

 

The mayor of Águilas, Mari Carmen Moreno, explained that “in recent months there have been numerous conversations with the Ministry in order for this centre to have its location in Águilas; something that has finally materialised in the announcement made by the minister”. The centre will receive expert input from the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO) and feature the latest technological advances.

 

The municipalities of Torrevieja and Mazarrón were considered as possible locations before the final choice of Águilas.

 

See also: The effects of macro farms on the Mar Menor

 

Image: Archive