Environmental group Latitud Azul will host an event focused on rays and sharks in the Canary Islands on 30th and 31st October at Jameos del Agua. This is part of the European project “Conservation Strategies for Sharks and Rays in the Canary Islands”.
The International Ocean Film Tour will conclude its national tour with this event, showcasing five compelling stories alongside special guest marine scientist Maite Asensio Elvira from Latitud Azul.
The iconic natural auditorium of Jameos del Agua offers a fitting finale after more than 20 events across 17 locations in Spain and over 200 in Europe, supported by the BestLife2030 programme.
This event aims to highlight the study and conservation of marine biodiversity in the archipelago. Currently, the waters around the Canary Islands are home to 78 species of elasmobranchs, including sharks and rays, with about 45% classified as threatened and around 20% lacking sufficient scientific data.
Asensio will discuss her work on collecting and analysing information about these species, including their distribution, ecology, and threats, while aiming to fill knowledge gaps and create a vulnerability map.
With degrees in Marine Sciences and a master’s in Oceanography, Asensio, who is also an environmental educator and underwater photography enthusiast, will emphasise the urgent need for scientific understanding to develop effective conservation measures.
The project involves collaboration among scientists, public administrations, the fishing sector, marine tourism, and other stakeholders to establish a network for monitoring incidental catch, using participatory workshops and educational campaigns to enhance community vigilance and awareness. A short film will further demonstrate the importance of protecting these species.
Joining Asensio will be Swiss filmmaker Livia Vonaesch and the Schwörer family, featured in the film ‘HOME IS THE OCEAN,’ who will attend the screening.
The event includes five short films, presented in their original language with Spanish subtitles and sign language interpretation. The films tell the stories of surfer Christa Funk, a diver’s bond with a manta ray, the ocean adventures of three brothers, and kiteboarding champion Kevin Langeree.
Attendees will have the chance to enter exclusive prize draws for unique experiences on Lanzarote, including activities in the Montañas de Fuego and the Cactus Garden.
Originally from Germany, the festival is promoted in Spain by Kinema Producciones SL, with support from the Cabildo de Lanzarote, SPEL, Lanzarote Film Commission, and various international foundations, including Surfrider Foundation and Latitud Azul.
