DELTA: Comprehensive Monitoring and Sustainable Management Program for the Marine Ecosystem of the Lava Delta in La Palma

The DELTA project is a strategic initiative focused on the observation and monitoring of the marine ecosystem affected by the 2021 volcanic eruption on the island of La Palma. Coordinated from the headquarters of the Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands (PLOCAN) in La Palma, its main objective is to monitor and understand the recovery processes of the marine environment through the implementation of advanced observation systems and the collection and analysis of oceanographic data.

To achieve this, DELTA combines innovative technologies including autonomous mobile systems, fixed stations equipped with next-generation sensors, sampling campaigns, and traditional methods. This approach enables the acquisition of high-quality multidisciplinary information, which is essential for promoting sustainable ecosystem management and strengthening science-based governance.

The project also fosters the link between environmental observation and its practical application in the development of products and services within the blue economy. This includes promoting sustainable employment, preserving biodiversity, and generating opportunities connected to knowledge and innovation. DELTA further aims to attract scientific and technical talent to La Palma and to inspire scientific vocations among the local population.

Key actions include the establishment of permanent marine observation infrastructures and the rehabilitation of municipal facilities for their reuse as coastal laboratories and interpretation centers. Lastly, the project outlines strategies and business models to ensure its long-term sustainability, integrating into a local innovation ecosystem and contributing to the island’s socio-economic development through science, technology, and environmental sustainability.