Cantabrian Coast Research Articles

Changes in the Climate Comfort of the Coast of Spain (1940-2022)

The Spanish coastal regions register specific climatic conditions due to the combination of mild temperatures with little variation throughout the year, high relative humidity and the influence of maritime storms. In summer, the climatic comfort conditions are excessively hot, especially on the Mediterranean coast of Spain. Understanding these conditions and analysing the temporal evolution of recent decades, as well as regional differences, is fundamental for future summer tourism planning in the coming decades. This study analyses the principal 37 coastal tourist hubs of Spain grouped into 10 large regions (the Atlantic, Cantabrian, Mediterranean coasts, and the two archipelagos of the Balearic and Canary Islands). Daily data drawn from the ERA-5 (Copernicus) atmospheric reanalysis from 1940 to 2022 have been used (mean air temperature, mean relative humidity, and mean wind speed), with which the Climate Comfort Index has been calculated (CCI) by González (1998). The results show a significant reduction of the CCI in all the coastal areas analyzed, being more relevant in winter (-0.10 decade). The decrease in the index implies a decrease in cold thresholds and an expansion of comfort throughout the study area, especially in the central Mediterranean and Cantabrian Sea. For its part, in summer, the most important decreases (-0.07 and -0.08 / decade) show an increase in the most important climatic discomfort on the Cantabrian Coast – Euskal Kostaldea and on the Costa Brava-El Garraf, with a significant intensification and expansion temporary thermal sensation of heat. In other coastal sectors, in recent years, the climatic thresholds of heat and extreme heat have been reached for the first time.

Adaptive small-scale fisheries in the eastern Cantabrian coast through reliance on essential species

Abstract In recent decades, small-scale fisheries (SSF) activity along the Basque coast (eastern Cantabrian) has declined, which has led remaining vessels to undergo notable shifts in their targeted species and therefore the fishing gears used, aimed at enhancing efficiency. Within that context, this study combines logbooks and sales notes spanning from 1995 to 2022 to assess inter-annual and seasonal variations in fishing activity and the main target species across different fishing gears, namely ‘fleet segments’. Results reveal that the spring Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) and summer albacore (Thunnus alalunga) seasons, with an intensified harvesting under favourable conditions during the past decade, affected the activity of all other segments throughout the year. In the face of climate change affecting harvested species, a scenario where mackerel and/or albacore seasons are disturbed would lead the SSF to predominantly depend on European hake, mainly caught by declining longlines and set nets, as well as on complementary species. Assessing essential species targeted by each SSF segment relies on is crucial for stakeholders as it helps manage interactions between fleets targeting the same species (e.g. SSF vs. industrial and recreational fisheries), and understand gear shifts by vessels targeting specific species in certain seasons.

Regional coastal cliff classification: Application to the cantabrian coast, Spain

The retreat of coastal cliffs is a natural process that occurs due to the interaction of different forcings that can be marine and atmospheric, and conditioned by the lithological properties of the rock material. Several attempts have been done at different scales to quantify and rank the various parameters that influence erosion rates, most of them agreeing that cliff retreat is governed by the lithological properties of the cliffs. Although, due to the large number of parameters involved there is not a clear consensus.The present study aims to characterize the cliffs along the Cantabrian coast by using an unsupervised classification of their physical and lithological characteristics, and by analyzing their retreat behavior. The proposed methodology is scalable to larger coastal areas. The study found that Cantabrian coastal cliffs have a low mean retreat rate of 0.042 m/year, with a maximum retreat rate of up to 0.4 m/year in two locations. Nine distinct groups of cliff behavior have been found, with only two of them presenting high erosional records, which are controlled by lithological features. Cliffs with the highest erosion rates are composed of alternating lithologies and more erodible materials. The results suggest that the factors most influencing erosive retreat in cliffs are the type of lithology and the alternation of different lithologies.

Coastal retreat and sea-cliff dynamic on the North Atlantic coast (Gerra Beach, Cantabrian Coast, Spain)

Gerra is small beach located at the foot of a cliff on the Western coast of Cantabria (North of Iberian Peninsula). It has a sandy distal part and a proximal part at the foot of the cliff made up of boulders, supported by rockfalls and landslides from the cliff. Claystones, limestones and marls of the Triassic and Cretaceous ages form the cliff. To study geomorphological processes, a geomorphological map was drawn up; analysis of the beach deposits as texture, granulometry and Atterberg limits; analysis of photogrammetric flights between 1957 and 2017; drone flights between 2017 and 2020; and geomatic monitoring of the cliff and the beach by means of a terrestrial laser scanner (TLS) between 2012 and 2019. The processes involved in the coastal dynamic and retreat of the cliff and beach have been established, as well as the rates of erosion and retreat, which coincide with other beaches on the Cantabrian Coast. The current dynamics are characterized by the moderate regression of the coastline and greater regression and dynamism at the cliff-top, which implies the gradual degradation of the cliff due to loss of verticality. Among the factors involved in the cliff degradation, the main changes in the present and future evolution of the sea cliff can only be ascribed to sea level rise.

New insights into the pathogenesis and transmission of Brucella pinnipedialis: systemic infection in two bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus).

Brucella spp. are zoonotic pathogens that can affect both terrestrial and marine mammals. Brucella ceti has been identified in various cetacean species, but only one sequence type (ST27) has been reported in humans. However, it is important to conduct surveillance studies to better understand the impact of marine Brucella species on marine mammals, a typically understudied host group. Here, we describe a systemic infection by two related strains of Brucella pinnipedialis (ST25) in a couple of live-stranded bottlenose dolphins, with more severe lesions in the younger animal. Furthermore, B. pinnipedialis was first detected in milk from a female cetacean that stranded with its offspring. Our study reveals novel insights into the epidemiology and pathological consequences of B. pinnipedialis infections in cetaceans, emphasizing the crucial importance of ongoing surveillance and accurate diagnosis to understand the impact of this pathogen on marine mammal populations.

Analysis of the Effect of Climate Change on the Characteristics of Rainfall in Igeldo-Gipuzkoa (Spain)

In recent years, numerous studies have been carried out on changes in the temperature and precipitation regimes and in the frequency of the extreme events that are a result of climate change. While there is evidence of an increase in temperature at a global level, this globality does not seem to occur with precipitation. The Igeldo weather station (San Sebastian) has one of the longest recorded rainfall intensity series in Spain and can be considered as representative of the Cantabrian coast. This circumstance makes it the ideal place to analyse the trend of the pluviometric regime of this area, and this was precisely the objective of this study. A total of 165 series of pluviometric parameters were obtained to characterise the pluviometric regime. The Mann–Kendall and Spearman tests were applied to evaluate the trends of the different parameters, and the Pettitt test was applied to detect the existence of change points. In all the series, it was proven that there were no significant trends or change points. Significant increasing trends were only detected in the series of maximum winter precipitation. In general terms, it can be concluded that the precipitation regime in Igeldo is quite stationary in the context of climate change.

"Geographical distribution of risk genotypes in pediatric patients with celiac disease in Spain".

Celiac disease is strongly associated with HLA DQ, specifically with haplotypes. DRB1*03-DQA1*05:01/DQB1*02:01 (DQ2.5),DRB1*07-DQA1*02:01/DQB1*02:02 (DQ2.2), DRB1*11-DQA1*05:05/DQB1*03:01 (DQ7.5), and DRB1*04-DQA1*03:01/DQB1*03:02 (DQ8). The distribution of these risk haplotypes in patients with celiac disease is different in the geographical areas investigated. A high frequency of DRB1*07- DQA1*02:01/DQB1*02:02 (DQ2.2) and DRB1*11-DQA1*05:05/DQB1*03:01 (DQ7.5), has been described in Southern Europe. We analyzed 2102 confirmed CD cases with information on both DQB1* alelles and their distribution by geographical area in Spain. According to the presence of this haplotype in one or two chromosomes, the genotype is classified in: DQ2 homozygous, DQ2 heterozygous (cis or trans), DQ8 homozygous, DQ8/DQ2.5, DQ 2.2 homozygous and genotype known as "half DQ2". Two different patterns of risks related to CD were identified. In the Basque Country and Navarre, the Mediterranean Area (Aragon, Catalonia, Valencia, Balearic Islands, and Murcia), the South of Spain (Andalucía and Extremadura), and the Canary Islands, higher frequency of DQ2.5 trans, and more than 80% of DQ2.5/DQ2.2 homozygosis were described. The Cantabrian Coast (Cantabria, Asturias, and Galicia) and Central Areas (Castilla-León and Castilla-La Mancha) showed a higher percentage of DQ2.5/DQ2.5 homozygosis and a lower DQ2.5 in trans frequency, as in Northern Europe. Madrid has an intermediate model between the two described above. 17 cases (0.8%) did not carry any CD risk haplotypes.

Application of organic petrography as a forensic tool in environmental studies to investigate the source of coal pollution on beaches in Gijón (Northern Spain)

Coal is one of the oldest and most widespread pollutants of natural environments such as marine coastal areas. The sources of this pollution are varied and mainly anthropogenic, one of which is handling coal in marine coal terminals and in bulk seaports. In coastal environments, there is also accidental coal pollution caused by accidents such as shipwrecks or sinking of bulk carriers and barges operating in port areas. One case of coal pollution is the beaches in Gijón on the Cantabrian coast in the north of Spain, which are intermittently covered to varying degrees by carbonaceous materials. To the north of Gijón there is a bulk seaport, El Musel, the largest bulk seaport in Spain where millions of tons of coal and other carbonaceous materials are handled annually. In January 1986 the Castillo de Salas bulk carrier sank with 100,000 tons of coal off the beaches of Gijón. For >34 years the true origin of the coal staining the beaches has been the subject of controversy at all levels of society. The aim of this study was to determine the main source of coal pollutants on the beaches. To that end, organic petrography was used to determine the mixtures of coal and other carbonaceous materials in sediments. The results indicate that the El Musel seaport is quantitatively the main source of coal pollution on the beaches and that coal from the sunken vessel reaches the beaches only during significant storms, heavy waves, and strong tides, which are common on the Cantabrian coast. Organic petrography emerged as a powerful forensic tool that can be applied to environmental investigations to determine the source of coal pollution, which is especially important in controversial cases.

Using Remote Sensing Methods to Study Active Geomorphologic Processes on Cantabrian Coastal Cliffs

Gravitational processes on inaccessible cliffs, especially in coastal areas, are difficult to study in detail with only in situ techniques. This difficulty can be overcome by the complementary application of remote sensing methods. This work focuses on an active complex landslide affecting the slope of the Tazones Lighthouse (Cantabrian coast, North Iberian Peninsula), which has been monitored since June 2018. The aim of this research is to establish a conceptual model of the internal structure of the slope. A remote multitechnique approach was applied, including landscape deformation analysis from photogrammetric surveys, ground motion detection applying A-DInSAR techniques and Sentinel-1 satellite data, and electrical resistivity tomography. The obtained results showed the great potential of some of the remote techniques, such as UAV photogrammetry and electrical tomography, and the ineffectiveness of others, such as A-DInSAR, which failed to provide adequate results due to the profuse vegetation. This work made it possible to establish a geological model of the functioning of the slope of the Tazones Lighthouse and to deduce the surface extent of the destabilized mass (70,750 m2), the rupture surface shape (stepped), its in-depth extent (10–50 m), the volume of materials involved (~3,550,000 m3) and the type of landslide (complex including a predominant translational slide). The combination of field and remote sensing data significantly increased the possibility of reaching a comprehensive geological interpretation of landslides on rocky coasts.

Assessing the unassessed marine recreational fishery in the Eastern Cantabrian coast

Within the first attempt to assess marine recreational fisheries (MRF) along the coastal villages of the Basque Country (Eastern Cantabrian Sea), off-site surveys were carried out from 2015 to 2019 to estimate captures of the main targeted species by shore fishing, boat fishing and spearfishing. Phone calls got better response rates (>50%) than email questionnaires (<25%). Spearfishing population was smaller (1000 licenses, <2% of total MRF effort) and younger, whereas boat fishers (5000 licenses, 9% MRF effort) were generally older and more experienced. Shore fishing was the most extended MRF activity (50000 licenses, 90% of MRF effort), showing wider age and experience ranges. Boat fishing targeting albacore in summer was the main MRF activity interacting with regional commercial small-scale fishery. Squids were also important for both shore and boat fishing, followed by seabass, the main target species for shore anglers. Despite surveys were primarily designed to gather information about these three species, they also evidenced, moreover with clear underestimation bias, frequent captures of generally unassessed species, such as sargo-bream (Diplodus spp.), gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata), common dentex (Dentex dentex), red mullet (Mullus surmuletus) or scorpionfish (Scorpaena spp.). Fishers with more experience, as well as spearfishers in general, captured a wider diversity of species, but individual fishers were more specialized (i.e., showing less variation between trips). Our off-site survey assessment highlights the importance of incorporating multispecies sampling schemes to develop future MRF assessment criteria, within a context of an ecosystem approach that should also consider potential interactions with commercial small-scale fishery.

Actions for Monitoring the Gonipterus Pest in Eucalyptus on the Cantabrian Coast

Forests are a natural resource of great importance for sustainable development. They represent the primary use of Spanish territory and cover 36% of its area. Eucalyptus shrublands are the most productive, particularly on the Cantabrian coast, occupying a total area of 406,566 ha. Since 1991, some of these shrublands have been affected by the eucalyptus snout beetle (Gonipterus platensis), a coleoptera (weevil) from the Curculionidae family that feeds on eucalyptus leaves and produces significant damage. The innovation project of the Supra-regional Operational Health Group on Gonipterus in Eucalyptus was developed (2019–2020) to establish a global approach to the serious problem it causes in Asturias and Galician Eucalyptus stands. A group of experts devised two action protocols to unify the methods and variables measured in the field: a protocol for measuring and estimating damage (degree of defoliation) and a parasitism protocol to establish actions to monitor the degree of parasitism (collection of oothecae, management of the sample, laboratory procedure). In the results, in addition to establishing the sampling protocol, an analysis of the data (from 2017 to spring 2020) provided by the different administrations of the Autonomous Communities studied has been carried out. The data analysis reveals an improvement in the impact of the damage on the Cantabrian coast (29.8% reduction in damage in Galicia and 14.7% in Asturias). In Galicia, the number of adult insects decreased from 2017 to 2019, increasing in the spring (from April to June) of 2020 above the mean values of previous years in that period. The number of larvae in the different larval stages showed similar development in all cases. The mean larvae (in their different stages) and mean oothecae showed a significant decline in the year 2018 compared to the spring of 2017, with an upturn in 2019 and again similar values to 2018 in the spring of 2020. In Asturias, similar mean values of the order of 0.5 insects per plot on dates (May–June) in spring were observed in 2019. While in 2020, a progressive increase could be seen in the mean number of insects throughout March, up to 1.9 insects per plot. Results of research on the biological treatment of parasitisation of oothecae with A.nitens were also collected to adjust the number of oothecae per bag deposited in the field and the number of Anaphes released per ha. Based on the field observations, the appropriate release time was determined to succeed in controlling the Gonipterus population.

Analysis of Ocean Parameters as Sources of Coastal Storm Damage: Regional Empirical Thresholds in Northern Spain

This contribution aims to explore the role of oceanographic parameters on the damage caused by storms at the eastern Cantabrian coast (1996–2016). All wave storms affecting the study area were characterized in terms of several oceanographic parameters; among them, damaging storms (responsible for direct and tangible loss) were identified. Cross-referencing both databases makes it possible to find some thresholds that explain storm conditions associated with property damage. Particularly relevant are those responsible for significant and widespread damage: maximum significant offshore wave height >6.5 m, maximum total water level >6 m, SPI > 1700 m2h, and a storm duration >48 h. These values are exceptionally high, mostly exceeding the 95th percentile. A comparison has been made with other thresholds described in the literature. The concurrence of high wave height and high tidal level is crucial as the greatest damage is caused by the combination of wave impact and over-wash, so a long duration of the storm is necessary to coincide with high tide. An empirical Intensity-Duration threshold has also been obtained with the following function I = 248.7 D−0.45. Damage can occur with moderate storms, but with severe effects only with exceptional wave and sea-level values, during long-lasting storms.

Understanding the retreat of the Jurassic Cantabrian coast (N. Spain): Comprehensive monitoring and 4D evolution model of the Tazones Lighthouse landslide

Forecasting coastal dynamics and sea cliff retreat under different sea level rise scenarios requires a good understanding of the conditioning factors and their relative contribution to cliff stability. The so-called Jurassic Cantabrian Coast extends along 76 km of the coastline of the Asturias region (N Spain) and is well-known worldwide due to its paleontological heritage, in particular the presence of dinosaur remains and footprints. The abundance of stratigraphic, paleontological and tectonic studies contrasts with the scarcity of studies focused on the stability of this rocky coastline where cliffs predominate, sometimes exceeding 120 m in height. In fact, evidence of current and recent instability processes can be observed along the entire coastline. In this regard, continuous monitoring is crucial to understand ongoing instabilities in rocky coastlines, as in these settings some instabilities might initiate as slow movements that induce subtle topographic changes whose detection from either satellite or aerial imagery is problematic due to the spatial and temporal resolutions. This contribution presents a 4D evolution model of a key site, the Tazones Lighthouse landslide, located on the Cantabrian Coast of Asturias (N Spain), which affects subvertical rocky cliffs sculpted in the Jurassic bedrock made of alternating sandstone and marl. A high resolution multiapproach methodology was developed in order to understand its structure and kinematic characteristics, including: i) interpretation of aerial photographs and unmanned aerial photogrammetric surveys (UAV); ii) 22 monthly monitoring campaigns by total station; iii) 5 manual boreholes; iv) geomechanical characterization of the cliff bedrock; v) geomorphological evidence mapping; vi) analysis of landscape deformations obtained from UAV; and vii) precipitation, soil moisture and significant wave height (Hs) data analysis. The results show that the slope evolves by means of a complex-type mass movement, which combines translational and sliding mechanisms, and occupies tens of thousands of square meters. DTM and fieldwork analysis indicate that mass movement is mainly controlled by bedrock discontinuities (S0, 360/15-17; J1, 262/85; J2 166/75). The most important accelerations of slope movement correlate very well with rainfall, soil moisture and waves. Thus, the largest displacements occurring in January and October–November 2019, coincide with 2 periods of storms (maximum 24-h rainfall of 64.5 mm and 82.1 mm and maximum Hs of 6.54 and 9.09, respectively) and soil moisture values above 90%. Half of the markers moved more than 1 m and one of them exceeded 15 m. The 4D model obtained after the interpretation of the Tazones Lighthouse slope whole dataset, allows an understanding of how the surrounding cliffs have evolved in the past, fundamental to predicting their future behaviour.

Buchnerillo atlanticus sp. nov., a new halophilic woodlouse (Isopoda: Oniscidea: incertae sedis) from the Atlantic coast of the Iberian Peninsula, with ecological remarks

A new woodlouse species of the genus Buchnerillo Verhoeff, 1942 is described and illustrated from the Cantabrian Coast of Asturias (Eastern Atlantic Ocean of the Iberian Peninsula). Buchnerillo atlanticus sp. nov. is a halophilic woodlouse that lives under embedded rocks in fine-grained sand areas of its type locality beach. Its morphological features, including secondary sexual characteristics, allow it to be distinguished from the other three known species of the genus Buchnerillo. Biological, ecological and ethological data of the new species are commented. To facilitate the separation of the four known species of Buchnerillo, the main diagnostic features are summarized and their known distribution is commented.

Diversity of marine benthic algae from Cantabria (Eastern Cantabrian, Spain): a historical overview of research and publications

The macroalgal flora of Cantabria (north of Spain) has attracted the interest of many researchers on past occasions. Currently published information only reflects occasional collections from sporadic field visits to this region of the Spanish Atlantic coast. To overcome this, a historical overview of research and publications, encompassing collections and presence data recording, has been undertaken. This work lists the resultant taxonomic records and provides information about macroalgal flora of Cantabria. A total of 425 species (25 Cyanobacteria, 55 Chlorophyta, 81 Ochrophyta, and 264 Rhodophyta) were identified. The number of specific, infraspecific taxa, and stages is 437: 25 Cyanobacteria, 57 Chlorophyta, 89 Ochrophyta, and 266 Rhodophyta. The floristic character of flora from the Cantabrian coast is compared over time and with nearby regions applying Cheney’s ratio [(Rhodophyta+Chlorophyta)/ Ochrophyta, or (R+C)/O]. The present paper aims to provide an overview of the research that has been conducted in the Cantabrian coast, not only found in international publications but also in local publications as well as unpublished theses.

Geology of the Cabuérniga Fault System: evolution of a large Alpine structure with Variscan inheritance

ABSTRACT The Cabuérniga Fault System (CFS) extends for 150 km in E–W trend along the northern divide of the Cantabrian Mountains, near the Cantabrian Sea. This fault system was reactivated several times since the Paleozoic, and displays hydrothermal activity nowadays. We present here a detailed geological map of the whole CFS and six cross-sections distributed along strike, which allowed us to unravel the kinematic history of the individual fault segments comprising the CFS. The current CFS geometry mainly results from the reactivation of E–W Variscan thrusts and NW–SE Late-Variscan strike-slip faults during the Alpine Cycle. Reactivation took place in relation to both Permian and Mesozoic pre-orogenic extension and subsequent Cenozoic shortening. The eastern end of the CFS corresponds to a N–S structure arriving at the Cantabrian coast, while the western edge connects with the E–W trending Llanera fault, leading to an Alpine fault system extending 220 km.

The future of marine citizenship is now: Cetacean conservation in the eyes of young Spanish citizens

Abstract The number of young conservationist movements is increasing worldwide, as new generations become more aware of the environmental problems that are having an impact on the planet. Consequently, young people appear to play a fundamental role in developing successful conservation strategies. This research examines young citizens’ knowledge, attitudes and engagement in cetacean conservation in coastal and non‐coastal regions of Spain, and assesses the influence of whaling tradition. A total of 902 anonymous surveys were conducted with students between 14 and 16 years old at 10 high schools located in nine different study areas, six located along the Cantabrian coast (Southern Bay of Biscay) and three located in inland regions of Spain. In general, results showed low levels of knowledge about cetaceans and whaling among young people, but high concern about cetacean conservation. As it was expected, knowledge about the history of whaling was higher in participants from areas with than without a whaling tradition. However, no statistically significant differences were found regarding attitudes towards cetaceans between these two groups. Significant differences were detected between genders with respect to cetacean conservation and engagement. Females showed more positive attitudes towards cetaceans when compared with their male counterparts. A correlation between knowledge and positive attitudes regarding whales and dolphins was found in areas located along the Cantabrian coast, and a correlation between positive attitudes and engagement in cetacean conservation was observed in all study areas. Although the majority of participants showed strong support for the protection of whales and dolphins, less than two‐thirds stated that they were willing to engage in cetacean conservation. The results of this study may contribute to the implementation of improved marine education programmes. These programmes should not only raise awareness of the marine environment, but also promote pro‐environmental behaviour and engagement in the protection of the ocean.

The Oyambre coastal terrace: a detailed sedimentary record of the Last Interglacial Stage in northern Iberia (Cantabrian coast, Spain).

ABSTRACTA detailed study is presented of a 15.3‐m‐thick Pleistocene coastal terrace located on the Cantabrian coast (northern Spain). Stratigraphic, sedimentological, topographic and micropalaeontological information is combined with a chronology based on luminescence dating to characterize the deposits. The sedimentary succession records: (i) a basal transgressive system, consisting of a wave‐cut surface covered by a lower layer of beach gravels and upper beach pebbly sands; and (ii) a thicker upper highstand system (aggrading), comprising medium to very fine aeolian sands interbedded with thin palustrine muds. Luminescence dating involved a detailed sampling strategy (36 samples and two modern analogues) and the use of both quartz optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and feldspar post‐infrared infrared stimulated luminescence single aliquot regeneration protocols; feldspar results were used to confirm the completeness of bleaching of the quartz OSL signal. The quartz OSL luminescence age–depth relationship shows significant dispersion, but nevertheless two rapid phases of deposition can be clearly identified: one at ~130 ka [Marine Oxygen Isotope Stage (MIS) 5] and one at ~100 ka (MIS 5c). The top of the succession is dated to ~70 ka. The MIS 5e marine maximum flooding surface is identified at an elevation of 6.85 m above mean seal level. This elevation provides evidence of a regional sea‐level highstand for this sector of the Cantabrian coast.

Whaling tradition along the Cantabrian coast: public perception towards cetaceans and its importance for marine conservation

Whaling is currently a controversial practice and the focus of a relevant public debate. According to records, it represented an important socio-economic activity in the North of Spain from the thirteenth to the eighteenth century. The North Atlantic Right Whale (Eubalaena glacialis) was the main target species of this activity. As a consequence of the rising of whaling, the North-East Atlantic population of this species was severely depleted, and it has not recovered since then. This work presents a study on public perception of cetaceans and whaling along the Cantabrian coast (North of Spain) and evaluates the differences with respect to several non-coastal regions. More than 400 anonymous surveys were conducted in 12 study areas to examine knowledge about cetaceans and whaling, as well as attitudes and willingness to take action in whale and dolphin conservation. Results showed that whaling has a great cultural imprint on the Cantabrian coast inhabitants, which plays a relevant role in citizens’ perception. Participants from areas with whaling tradition demonstrated higher levels of knowledge about the history of this activity, but less positive attitudes with respect to cetacean conservation than respondents from inland provinces. Additionally, we observed that there are other influencing factors, such as gender or age. Our findings indicate that positive attitudes towards the protection of whales and dolphins are not always sufficient for citizens to collaborate for this cause. Therefore, an improvement in education programmes and awareness campaigns about the importance of protecting cetaceans and their environment is needed to achieve real and effective marine citizenship.

Study of the Variability in Fatty Acids and Carotenoid Profiles: Laying the Ground for Tank Milk Authentication

This study analyzes 174 tank milk samples taken from 89 commercial farms located all along the Cantabrian Coast (Green Spain). Sampling was performed in two periods: autumn 2016 and spring 2017. A survey was carried out for every day of sampling to record the average lactating dairy cow production and its diet composition. For each sample, the fatty acid (FA) profile (49 FA plus its main relationships) and nine fat-soluble antioxidant (FSA) profiles (retinol (vitamin A), α- and Υ-tocopherol (vitamin E), all-trans-β-carotene, 9-cis-β-carotene, 13-cis-β-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and β-cryptoxanthin) were determined. The milk production varied between 7.3 and 45.9 liters per cow per day, highlighting the diversity found among production systems. The milk fat content ranged from 2.64% to 4.38% and the protein content from 2.87% to 3.56%. Regarding the fatty acids profile, the percentage of saturated fat varied between 59.95% and 75.99%. The linolenic acid content fluctuated between 0.21 and 1.31 and rumenic acid ranged from 0.20 to 2.47 (g 100 g−1 total FA). The most important correlations between diet and milk FA were always related to the content of fresh grass and total forage (which is defined by both fresh and conserved forage derived from fresh grass (GCF)) in the diet. The content of vaccenic acid, linolenic acid, total omega-3, rumenic acid, and total CLA isomers showed the highest correlation with the proportion of fresh grass in the diet. The antioxidant contents were also highly variable, although correlations with dietary components were lower. The highest correlations were between total forage content (fresh grass (FG) plus GCF) and lutein, all-trans-β-carotene, and 13-cis-β-carotene. Diets without fresh grass had lower omega-3 content, CLA, vaccenic acid, lutein, all-trans-β-carotene, and 13-cis-β-carotene.