This outreach project, recently unveiled, guides users through seven key points of the Torredembarra coastline, covering approximately 500 meters off Baix a Mar beach. The virtual tour details diverse habitats, from sandy and rocky bottoms like Roquetes and Antina, to formations such as the Bloc and the rocks of Barra de tres. It also features a Posidonia seagrass meadow at Brut de Viló and a biotope park with artificial reefs, showcasing the area's marine diversity.
Visitors can identify up to 78 species of animals and plants, each accompanied by a fact sheet detailing its main characteristics. These represent the most common or visible organisms, although the local marine biodiversity is more extensive.
“"The objective is to showcase Torredembarra's seabed in a different way and continue the outreach work that the entity has been developing for years."
Iris Gual, president of the Sinibald de Mas Study Centre, emphasized that the initiative builds upon the center's ongoing outreach efforts, which include snorkel observation activities and the publication of a book in 2009. Photographer Raül Cendón, who led the project, explained that the 360º immersive photographs allow virtual navigation via computers, mobile devices, or virtual reality viewers.
The mayor of Torredembarra, Raúl García, highlighted the importance of discovering this nearby natural heritage and noted that the images help make it more accessible, promoting knowledge and conservation. Culture councilor Daniel Pujol stressed that heritage extends beyond architecture and history to include landscape and natural environments, which are vital to the town's identity.
The project was made possible by a grant from the Torredembarra City Council and is accessible through the Centre d’Estudis Sinibald de Mas website.
