Thinking Green - Gibraltar

Officers from our Environmental Protection & Research Unit (EPRU) were recently called out to collect a peculiar bird from the Laguna area.

The bird was a European Storm Petrel; one of the smallest seabirds in the world. These tiny yet resilient seabirds are often seen navigating turbulent, high-wind conditions in the open sea that few other creatures can withstand, leading to various myths in maritime folklore and their common name. While the myths are superstitious, the association with storms is deeply rooted in biology. Storms and high winds make it easier for these birds to navigate and find food.

Following inspection, the bird was successfully released back into the open sea to battle with the winds another day.

Photo credit: Clive Finlayson The Gibraltar National Museum

Department of the Environment supporting and a heart day ♥️♥️♥️

Great turnout at Rosia Bay for 2025 🫶🏻 🦀 🐙 🐚

Team Thinking Green enjoying a walk on a beautiful September evening 😊

Blue Sea Dragons Recorded Near Gibraltar

The Department of the Environment is closely monitoring local beaches following reports of an unusual visitor close to our shores.

The Blue Sea Dragon (Glaucus atlanticus) is a small pelagic sea slug, usually 3–4cm in size, carried by ocean currents and winds. Despite its size, it feeds on venomous creatures like the Portuguese Man o’War and stores their toxins for self-defence.

⚠️ Do not touch them – they can deliver a potent sting.

👉 If you see one:
• Report it to the Environmental Protection & Research Unit on 58009620
• If stung, seek medical attention immediately

For further information, contact [email protected]

We also want to shine the spotlight on College and St Joseph’s Upper Primary School for their energy and passion for this year’s World Environment Day.

These young minds are the future generation. A huge thank you to all the students and staff who welcomed us to share their brilliant work.

Both Bayside and Westside school are not only learning about sustainability and how to combat climate change, but they are leading by example and showing us what it means to take care of our planet. Their projects are a huge testament to the power of education, creativity and community spirit in driving real change.

This year’s World Environment Day focuses on ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’. Today is a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to protect our Gibraltar and our planet. Our team has been inspired by the incredible efforts of young changemakers across Gibraltar’s schools and the excellent work they have been doing.

School visits to Tovey Cottage are in full swing! This week we welcomed St Anne’s school. Thanks to all for your energy and enthusiasm 🦅

Education wide inset day with Artecology 🌍 Really happy to have supported the Dept of Education’s recent inset days, hosting a virtual session with our friends at Artecology. A hands-on clay experience that emphasised the value of learning by doing, linking the climate and ecological crises and showing how we can combine art and science to make a meaningful impact on our built environment. comprehending and preserving our environment was loved by the participants.

🌍♻️ Recycle Ya! Did you know that up to one million litres of fresh water can be saved from pollution by recycling only one litre of used cooking oil? 🥘✨ Please dispose of your used cooking oil properly to help Gibraltar stay Green💚