The Socio-Environmental Observatory of Menorca – Menorca Institute of Studies (OBSAM–IME) and the Jaume Ferrer Research Station will inaugurate the exhibition ‘El mar de Kike Ballesteros’ (The Sea of Kike Ballesteros) on 11 December in the Carme cloister in Mahón (Menorca). The exhibition is dedicated to the scientific and photographic work of biologist and ecologist Enric (Kike) Ballesteros Sagarra (1958–2024). The display, which explores the diversity and uniqueness of the Balearic Sea's main ecosystems, has been curated and designed by Tomeu Sánchez, with the collaboration of several entities.
Kike Ballesteros, a key figure in the study of the Balearic Sea
Kike Ballesteros was an internationally renowned biologist and naturalist. He received his doctorate with honours from the University of Barcelona and dedicated his entire career to the Blanes Centre for Advanced Studies – Spanish National Research Council (CEAB–CSIC), where he was a researcher and later director (1998–2002). As a specialist in macroalgae, coralligenous, marine bioinvasions, and the impacts of climate change, he authored more than 350 scientific publications and popular works.
Kike always had a close relationship with Menorca. For him, the Balearic Sea – especially Menorca – was ‘the benchmark for the Mediterranean and a constant source of inspiration’. His research contributed to the protection of zones that are now marine protected areas. He also collaborated in the design of the OBSAM-IME marine environment monitoring programme in its early stages and advised the organisation. For decades, he worked with the Jaume Ferrer Research Station monitoring marine species and habitats.
A scientific and informative look at the Balearic Sea
The exhibition consists of 12 thematic panels based on Kike’s scientific materials, explanations, and photographs. The tour allows visitors to discover the main underwater habitats of the Balearic Islands, from brown algae forests to Posidonia meadows, submerged caves, coralligenous habitats, bays, and fish communities. It also includes Laminaria rodriguezii, an algae first described in Menorca, as well as images of the biodiversity that forms part of these ecosystems.
Kike was convinced that only knowledge can give rise to the will to protect. For this reason, the exhibition also includes some images of the impacts affecting the Balearic Sea, such as habitat loss and invasive algae. It offers an informative overview of the Balearic Sea and, at the same time, reflects his career and scientific contribution to the study and conservation of this environment.
The project has benefited from the participation of CEAB–CSIC, which provided part of the photographic material and contributed to the search for content; MARE and Marilles Foundation, which provided support in photo editing and the initial planning of the exhibition; and the Mediterranean Institute for Advanced Studies (IMEDEA), which collaborated with some scientific content.
