The Magic and Myths of the Mar Menor

Hello everyone, welcome back to the channel. It is a beautiful October afternoon here at Santa Rosalia Lake and Life Resort. So even in October, the lagoon is glistening and people are still enjoying the warm sunshine and good on them because life is too short to waste indoors when the weather is as beautiful as this. So today we are heading down the road to the beautiful seaside town of Los Alcazares. We are going to be exploring something a little bit different but deeply connected, the famous seahorses of Los Alcazares. The seahorses are represented all around the area in murals and sculptures to celebrate the marine life that's unique to this part of Spain and their story also reminds us how important it is to protect the environment around us. That same respect for nature runs through the heart of Santa Rosalia from the resort uses energy-efficient materials to its eco-friendly design and sustainable efforts. So while discovering the seahorses here in Los Alcazares, we're really seeing the inspiration behind the lifestyle and values that make Santa Rosalia such a special place to call home. So let's go and hop in Big Blue. It's only an eight-minute drive from here to Los Alcazares. Let's go and see what we can see. You might have noticed a special symbol that keeps appearing around here on sculptures, art and even souvenirs. You'll spot it all over Los Alcazares, the seahorse. But what's the real story behind it? Well this little creature actually tells a story of the It's past, it's people and it's hope for the future. What you can see here is Espejo Beach and here stands one of Los Alcazares most iconic pieces of art, the Monument to the Fisherman, created by local artist Manuel Nicolás Almanza in 1998. It shows a fisherman hauling in his net helped by two mermaids riding seahorses. Those seahorses represent the waters that define this area, the Mar Manor and the Mediterranean. For generations the people of Los Alcazares lived from the riches of these waters and the seahorse became a symbol of balance between humans and the sea. So that is what seahorses represent locally but what about actual seahorses? So the Mar Manor was once home to one of the largest seahorse populations in Europe. Back in 2012 scientists counted nearly 200,000 seahorses in the waters. Sadly pollution, rising temperatures and changes in the water have reduced those numbers dramatically to the point where entire years have passed without a single specimen being recorded. But the great news is that seahorses have been spotted again in the Mar Manor, dozens of species in fact. Authorities aren't revealing the exact locations and quite rightly it's so that they can be protected and thrive. But what a fantastic sign of recovery and it's definitely hope for the future. Here at Santa Rosalia Lake and Life Resort the same spirit of harmony with nature continues. Crystal clear water, sustainable design and a lifestyle built around the outdoors. If you are exploring Los Alcazares take a moment to spot the seahorse, it's everywhere once you start looking. In fact next time we are heading to one of the most iconic seaside restaurants in Los Alcazares where the seahorse is part of their logo, Restaurante San Antonio. Join us in the next vlog from this fantastic restaurant in Los Alcazares. Thank you so much for watching this one, don't forget to like and subscribe and we'll see you in the next one.