by Taetske | 2:08 pm
(Last Updated On: February 9, 2023)

 

Modern technology is helping the Mediterranean Sea

 

Haifa

Haifa image Niros

 

How I started with modern technology

I must start my story by telling you, I am not a technical person. It was late in life (end of 2013) when I got my first computer. I had told all my friends worldwide I did not need a computer as I was writing all my correspondence by hand. Life is like it is and suddenly, because of circumstances, I had a computer, kind of out of the blue.

My dear neighbor was so kind to give me 8 intensive computer lessons and with that knowledge, I could send emails, receive them and open them, I know you might laugh at this. Soon I could send my private photos and slowly but surely, I got kind of used to that little machine.

 

Discovering the possibilities on the internet

Then I discovered I could do online Mater Classes and Summits as well. These were mainly on health and spiritual issues. In January 2017, I discovered Wealthy Affiliate, and I started a website. This first website was soon followed by a second, as all my interest did not fit on one. I write about my hobbies, places I have been to, health and environmental-related subjects.

I write about those things which catch my interest. Because of investigating and writing on my websites, my worldview has transformed.

 

Bottles polluting the beach

Bottles polluting the beach image Emilian Robert Vicol

 

My interest in environmental issues

Recently I wrote about how waste is suffocating the Mediterranean Sea. I have been in Spain since 1975 and have lived on my organic farm since 1981. I read the Spanish Sur newspaper and also the English edition, Sur in English. Often I find interesting things which give me the inspiration to write a post for one of my websites.

That is how I came to write this post on the Mediterranean Sea. On the Costa del Sol, in the south of Spain is the lovely village called Nerja. Just off the coast is a 9-tonne mountain of waste formed by used wet wipes. It is close to a protected area, and it needs to be taken care of immediately.

The following video is only a few minutes long, but it has a big impact.

 

 

Hearing about the Sea Watch project

Shortly after publishing my post, I got a comment and was contacted on my email by Ofer Keren. He told me about a cell phone application called Sea Watch, that helps report misuse of the sea’s resources and pollution. This app is free on the App Store and Google Play. I think this is a brilliant idea as technology steps in to help monitor the Israeli coast.

There are apps available for reporting pollution in other regions of the world, such as the app Marine Litter Watch, developed by the European Environment Agency, or the app See it, Say it for those who live in Ireland, or even the app Galveston Bay Action Network developed for helping protect the Galveston Bay area of Texas, USA.

Ofer suggested that other countries along the Mediterranean might look to use this kind of notification system. It is an App for your smartphone which enables real-time access to the authorities who supervise the quality of the beach and the authorities with sea-related issues.

 

Surfers on the beach

Surfers on the beach image Mathias Westermann

 

An App made in Israel

This App was developed in Israel and has made a big impact. Have you ever been to a beach and observed something which annoyed you, but you did not know what to do? Like when you see ghost fishing nets entangled on the rocks. Illegal fishing and seeing forbidden fish being sold on the market.

Wounded animals like sea turtles, dolphins, and birds or non-native invasive species should not be there. Then you might also see the pollution of the water by un-recycled waste or waste oil from ships.

Detecting any of these situations in the past would have required the observer to go physically to report it to the police and or authority in question. Now you can do it from your smartphone and save valuable time.

 

How to become an environmental guard

Instead of relying on the concept that the authorities will find out about the issue, you can be an active participant in protecting our environment. It enables you to take part in marine conservation, and it improves awareness of the public for marine conservation in general.

As that happens, the data collected by the people will put more pressure on the policymakers to improve marine management and enforcement.

Not so long ago, I wrote a post that 1000 eyes see more than 2 alluding to the fact that there are many amateur scientists who help the scientific community with their observations. This app will enable regular individuals to become involved and react when something is amiss.

 

Let’s have a look at how this App works

On your screen, you will see 9 easily identifiable icons for the emergency situations you might encounter. Below the icons, you find a space where you can make an emergency call. It is all at the tip of your finger.

You have the possibility to send a photo, send the GPS position of your observation, and your findings will be sent to the right institution immediately. You can send a report online as an SMS plus an email to the specific personnel.

You fill in which category your observation belongs, date and time, location, and Google map link. Who you are, including a phone number and email. A description of the happening, including photos and or video.

It is not only on the beach, you might find something disturbing. Imagine you go to the market and see illegal fish for sale or fish that have not reached the required length, like selling baby fish. In Jaffa, Israel, this app has been shown to be a great help. Hopefully, it will spread to all countries worldwide.

 

Green-sea-turtle

Green-sea-turtle image H.Hach

 

Some data on Israel’s marine life

In  Israel, every year, 100.000 endangered marine animals, including sharks and rays, are illegally fished. On top of that come at least 2 dolphins and a staggering 3000 sea turtles are harmed annually by fishing activities. Because of the many years of over-fishing, Israel has driven its local fish population to near extinction. We can say the same for other countries on the Mediterranean Sea.

When you look at the world, the data is staggering and very sad.

Surfers, swimmers, fishers and nature lovers filed reports about the hazards and illegal activity they were witnessing on the Israeli beaches, but these reports got kind of lost in the bureaucratic mill. Too much paperwork and coming too late to the right spot made this system highly ineffective.

 

Who is the smartest creature on earth?

What can you learn from an octopus, the closest you will come to meeting an intelligent alien? The writer Peter Godfrey-Smith is a distinguished philosopher of science and a skilled scuba diver. He explains the evolution of simple cells in the ocean. How the first nervous systems developed probably in jellyfish.

An important question is how the octopus became so smart. To have eight tentacles with so many neurons that they can actually think for themselves. A fascinating book that will answer your many questions on evolution and explains the octopus mind and our own.

.
The octopus, the sea and the deep origins of consciousness
.

Sea Watch is created

Last fall, something good happened. Sea Watch was born. The Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNI) developed this App, which enables its user to report any unfortunate happening connected to marine life. This free app has been downloaded over 8000 times and has made a profound impact on Israel’s marine life.

Shortly after its launch, they spotted a deep-sea fishing boat in the harbor of Haifa. It was filled with crates that held the protected round stingrays. Using the App to report this incident, the Rangers from the Israel Nature and Parks authorities promptly arrived on the scene.

The App helps with saving turtles. Recently a baby turtle with a piece of ghost fishing net around its neck was washed ashore where surfers found it. Using the App, a ranger appeared promptly and took the baby turtle to the Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center. The baby turtle was baptized by the name of Michelangelo, is recovering well, and soon will be returned to the sea.

 

Iphone apps

iphone apps image Jan Vasek

 

Conclusion

You can download this App for free. Sea Watch App for Android and also on Apps on Google Play. I think it is very important to spread this news so all countries which border on the water should have this App with the specific authorities for each situation. Please spread this news as we are all responsible for taking care of our environment.

So, your country doesn’t have a coast? That would not be a problem, as this principle of reporting situations can apply to any place you live. River pollution, oil spills, excessive smokestack emissions, these are all things that the 1000 eyes can help find.

I told you at the beginning of my post I am not a technical person, but I applaud this initiative and the potential is huge. Mother earth needs her citizens to protest and report whenever something bad is happening to her.

Before you leave, you might wish to visit Recommendations. It is a special page I made for you with a collection of things you could find interesting.

 

Source: Ofer Kering https://www.kerenrg.com/english/ and ofer@kerenrg.com

Photo Source: Pixabay

 

Some unusual things are happening in the Mediterranean Sea. You might like to read the following post.

Is the Alboran Sea at Risk because of Climate Change?

 

 

Comments

Michel

What a great idea to have an app to help the planet, and it’s great to see so many of them coming out. These types of apps are something we should all have on our phones so that we can readily report something if we come across it, especially people who live near and walk a lot on the beach.

This will also make the users of the apps more aware of the dangers of plastics and pollution in our waters and if everyone makes a conscious effort we can combat this together.

Jun 24.2019 | 05:13 pm

    Taetske

    Good Morning Michel,

    How great it would be if this idea would spread over the whole world. Like that, a lot of unnoticed emergencies and also criminal acts against Fauna and Flora could be reported immediately. In some countries, similar Apps exist but it is not enough, hopefully, all countries will follow this good example.

    Thank you for your comment. I hope you downloaded your free PDF?

    Regards, Taetske

    Jun 25.2019 | 06:49 am

Snigdha Alam

Wow, I really like your interest in environmental issues. You shared your possibilities to develop mankind through technology. About the app which is made in Israel, I heard that. But could not know how to use it. You explained it very nicely but sorry I couldn’t understand clearly. Can you help me? I also want to help the Mediterranean life. Thanks a lot for your helpful, important and informative post. I will share your post to others.

Jun 24.2019 | 05:53 pm

    Taetske

    Good Morning Snigdha,

    Thank you for visiting my website and leaving a comment. I hope you downloaded your free PDF?

    Sorry to hear that you did not completely understand my post. Did you click on the blue link which says Sea Watch? There you have an article which also explains how this functions. At the bottom of that article, you can click again and then you will see a picture of that App with the 9 Icons.

    This App only functions in Israel as it is connected to the local authorities and organizations. Therefore it is so important that all countries can offer their citizens similar Apps so worldwide people can help save marine life and the environment.

    Regards, Taetske 

    Jun 25.2019 | 06:43 am

Hendrik Kaiser

Hi, thanks for this post. Sadly I can’t download the app in Canada and it looks like it is all written in Israeli which doesn’t help me much. I hope they will continue developing it and translating it into more languages. Great idea. I also found a couple of interesting environmental apps. These new technologies are opening up new ways to connect and help. I love it. It so easy to become a little activist/helper.

Jun 28.2019 | 12:30 pm

    Taetske

    Good afternoon Hendrik,

    Thank you for your comment. Nice to see you again.

    It is an App made in Israel and therefore connected to the Israeli authorities. That is why all countries should have an App like that focusing on their part of the coast.
    I think the idea is very good as immediate action is possible. Not letting precious time pass, hours or even days before help arrives.

    Regards, Taetske

    Jun 28.2019 | 02:42 pm

Sylvia Mann

This is a very powerful post, Taetske, and I appreciate all the details on the information you are providing.
Unfortunately, I still don’t carry one of the new smartphones but I certainly will share it so that people who are using these phones can download the App.
It is a shame what we, as a species, have done to this planet and we already paying the prize just look at Europe being under an awful heat wave.
I could rant way more but I guess we all know that it is 5 minutes past twelve and there is certainly no more time to waste and “just” talk is way too cheap.
Thank you dear Taetske for being on top of it and spreading the so much needed awareness Mother Nature needs help right now.
Love and Namaste
Sylvia

Jun 28.2019 | 03:16 pm

    Taetske

    Good afternoon Sylvia,

    Thank you for leaving a comment on my post. Nice to see you again.

    The App is made in Israel so is connected to the Israeli authorities there. One can download this App but depending where you live in the world it needs to connect to the institutions and authorities in your country otherwise it is of no use. It would be a lovely idea if all countries would use a similar App.

    By the year 2050, it will be nearly impossible to live in Spain and only 50 years after that Spain and Portugal will be a big desert. I know it is 5 minutes past twelve and I am not sure we will make it. On the other hand, when I come across such positive news I regain hope again.

    Regards, Taetske

    Jun 29.2019 | 03:07 pm

Jack Taylor

I love the ocean and really loved your article about Modern technology is helping the Mediterranean Sea. What a beautiful place that must be. I would love to visit there some day. But until I can visit the Mediterranean Sea in person. I did the next best thing and just downloaded the Sea Watch App. Thank you so much for an awesome article. I saved your website to my favorites for future reference.

Jack

Jul 07.2019 | 06:17 am

    Taetske

    Good Morning Jack,

    Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. I hope you downloaded your free PDF? Tulip widget.

    As I said in my post I am not technical so I want to ask you a question. You have downloaded this Sea Watch App but where does it connect you to? Do you live in Israel? I thought the authorities of your country have to get this App connected to them? So please tell me when you activate this App what happens.

    I have come across this innovative idea recently and am very happy I did. Have a look at the green widget under my photo. You might like the idea to help the planet and people.

    Regards, taetske

    Jul 07.2019 | 07:18 am

Sondra M

For the better part of this year, I have been in the early stages of planning a move to a coastal area.    (I currently live about 24 hours drive from any beach.)  In doing my research, I have been reading about the various rules and the importance of marine conservation.   

Your article was particularly interesting because my son visited Israel about two years ago.   It is very sad to read that their local fish population in Israel is almost extinct.    This new app sounds like a brilliant idea that will allow problems to be reported and sent to the proper group in a timely manner.    I hope that it will work well enough that other areas can use it to assist their conversation and protection efforts.     

Jul 09.2019 | 04:48 pm

    Taetske

    Good afternoon Sondra,

    Thank you for your visit and leaving a comment. I hope you downloaded your free PDF? Tulip widget.

    I personally think this type of App is fantastic. To be able to act immediately when needed and like that be able to save a life. I very much hope all countries will follow up on this idea, well, some have already. If it should come to Spain I will seriously think of having it at least on my partner’s smartphone as most of the time we do things together. You never know I might even get myself a phone like that.

    I am a big fan of all things which have a positive influence on our planet. Recently I came across something like that. Please have a look at the widget under my photo. I came across bUnited only a week ago and love the concept of it.

    Regards, Taetske

    Jul 10.2019 | 03:43 pm

Jake

Hi, I heard the other day that humans might be clean energy dominate by 2050. So that is very cool.

Technology is continuing to advance rapidly including artificial intelligence,  computers and more. Soon enough we will have driverless electric cars and robots to be cleaning things up for us.

This will including cleaning our oceans, which is so desperately needed. 

Dec 03.2019 | 10:02 pm

    Taetske

    Good afternoon Jake,

    Thank you for your visit and for leaving a comment. I hope you downloaded your free PDF? Tulip widget.

    It is predicted that by 2050 wind and solar power will dominate but I wonder if we will still be here? In 2050 Portugal and Spain will live in a constant heatwave with over 40C and most people will have moved north.

    I am against 5G and have written quite a few posts for both my websites. Driverless cars are possible because of 5G.  Robots cleaning up after us, what a picture. I suppose you have seen the movie Wall-E. That is the direction we are going.

    Regards, Taetske

    Dec 04.2019 | 04:40 pm

Nick

I had no idea an app as Sea Watch existed! I think it’s a pretty incredible idea. I come in contact with many people from Isreal on a day to day basis and I will definitely ask them if they have they know about the app. 

I feel like protecting the environment is extremely important and apps like Sea Watch can make a huge change in protecting marine life. Thank you for sharing this =)

Dec 03.2019 | 10:05 pm

    Taetske

    Good afternoon Nick,

    Thank you for stopping by and for your comment. I hope you downloaded your free PDF? Tulip widget.

    I also think that this app falls into the category of good inventions. The more we do for the environment the better. Sadly there are destructive forces that do the opposite. Hopefully the good will win.

    Regards, Taetske

    Dec 04.2019 | 04:45 pm

fityourselfbarre

What a great idea and initiative this sea watch app!! I don’t live by the coast but I believe it is still an important app to download so when I am by the sea coast, if I ever see anything hurting the environment, I can report it!

I get so angry when I see so much waste thrown in nature. Technology surely will help more and more in the future to help save our planet from all this human trash!

Dec 03.2019 | 10:06 pm

    Taetske

    Good afternoon,

    I think this is a great invention and hope all countries will have something similar in place in the near future. We are all responsible for what happens on our planet which after all is our habitat.

    Thank you for your comment. I hope you downloaded your free PDF? Tulip widget.

    Regards, Taetske

    Dec 04.2019 | 04:50 pm

Benson

It is a really great idea of those who created this app as it can be used to curb so many indecent acts that are going on around the beach.

I have seen so many cases of pollution on the beach but there is no security to avoid this. This is such an app that we all need to have and would save us from so many damages and health issues resulting from environmental pollution.

Dec 03.2019 | 10:09 pm

    Taetske

    Good afternoon Benson,

    Nice to see you again. Thank you for your comment.

    I also think this was a good invention and hope all countries will have it in the near future.

    The more we protect the environment the better, it is really needed.

    Regards, Taetske

    Dec 04.2019 | 04:56 pm

Nuttanee

Thanks for sharing the news with us! I feel that we humans leave so much carbon print that in the long term we will not have the nature for our next generation to see. I admire you for waiting till 2013 to get a computer. Personally, I like receiving and giving hand-written notes or letters. I find that to be very meditation to me. However, it is faster for me to type, so I rarely write things down now.

I definitely have to check out the Sea Watch app. I am glad that we have an app that can finally protect our environment. This app is very similar to the app that I have here in the States called Citizen, but this is for local crimes, so I know what is happening in my neighborhood. Thanks again for sharing this information! 

Feb 28.2021 | 08:35 pm

    Taetske

    Good Morning Nuttanee,

    Nice to see you again and thank you for your comment. You remember you can download a free PDF of your choice at the Tulip widget?

    Imagine I was 63 in 2013 when I finally got a computer. Now, with 3 websites, I use it many hours a day. I still have no smart phone as Michael has one, so I do not actually need it.

    That sounds like an important app you have in the U.S. It will help a lot of people, I am sure, but it is sad one needs an app like that. Times have changed a lot.

    Regards, Taetske

    Mar 01.2021 | 07:46 am

Linda Frankson

I agree with you Taetske that smart apps are wonderful inventions. I don’t have a cell phone nor will I buy one as five G rolls out Smartphones are getting more and more popular. There are more and more satellites being sent up into our earth’s at-misfeature.
The radiation that we are getting from them will harm many more species than we can count on our fingers. yes, apps can be a solution but are they really. there are apps for everything imaginable.
Our homes are polluted with smart this and smart that. As we buy these smart functions we are helping to destroy our world. There is always a better way it all seems hopeless for now but that day will come.

Always your friend Linda

Jan 31.2022 | 06:06 pm

    Taetske

    Good afternoon Linda,

    That is a nice surprise to see you visiting again. Thank you for your comment.

    I do not have a smartphone myself, Michael has one. I realize that our life is being dictated by all these “smart” things. It is getting completely out of hand with so many satellites up there.

    On the other hand, this app to save marine life I found really good. As with most things the clue is to find the ideal balance. Not too easy in this modern life.

    Regards, Taetske

    Feb 03.2022 | 03:20 pm

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