MANU SAN FÉLIX, based in Formentera since 1992, is a marine researcher, explorer, photographer and biologist who has dedicated over 30 years defending the preservation of the Mediterranean marine environment, particularly the Pitiusan Oceanic Posidonia Meadows. This world-renowned expert is part of Pristine Seas, a National Geographic project whose main goal is to create awareness and alert about the necessity to preserve our seas. Moreover, he has now created the documentary ‘Let’s Save the Mediterranean’.

I arrived at the end of the hippie era, which attracted colorful people and created a wonderful island. Then the island wasn’t known, we were just discovering its charms. Then there were less buildings and urban areas. Now, the vibe on the island and type of population has changed massively and this change is due to globalization.

Without a doubt it is a place underwater where I have never taken anybody except for my family. A magical place. When I’m underwater and with my camera I feel the happiest person in the world.

What projects have you worked on in Ibiza and Formentera?

30 years go a long way. The report I did for the Ses Salines Posidonia Meadows to become part of the UNESCO’s World Heritage had a huge result and it was beautiful. I also did research for the Balearic Government for the viability to recover the monk seal, also known as Vellmarí, in the Balearic Islands.

What are the essential elements to preserve and enhance the sea surrounding the Pityusic Islands (Ibiza and Formentera)?

We need to recover the quality of the water and for this is necessary to purify correctly all our waste waters, both the ones generated on the islands and those coming from the boats. If we want to continue fishing, we must do it in areas where fish can breed and grow. We must strive to recover the lost species such as monk seals, fan mussels, langoustines, lobsters, red coral… We need a healthy sea ecosystem because it is facing a very worrying future: global warming. The last 30 years the maximum temperature has increased by three degrees. I have noticed this through diving that I have been practiced since I arrived in the islands in 1992.

Although we still have room for improvement, it is true that the Posidonia’s condition has improved a lot in the last 10 years, and this encourages me. Especially, the fact that before it was an unknown issue and now most of the society is conscious about its relevance. This interview is good evidence of this fact.

Formentera has crystal-clear waters and spectacular beaches such as Migjorn, Illetes or Salinas.

We need a healthy sea ecosystem because it is facing a very worrying future: global warming.