Scientists study Madeira's ocean

Nearly 200 scientists are studying Madeira's marine life to assess ecosystem health and how they can better withstand climate change.

Marine reserves expand protection

Madeira's marine reserves, expanded over decades, have significantly increased protected areas and benefited endangered species like the Mediterranean monk seal.

Mediterranean monk seal population grows

Another reserve established around the Desertas Islands in the early 1990s has helped a colony of Mediterranean monk seals, one of Europe’s most endangered marine mammals, grow from just eight animals to 31.

Marine conservation efforts

Juan Mayorga, a marine scientist with National Geographic Pristine Seas, points to a laptop screen displaying BRUVS underwater footage while reviewing collected data with Emanuel Gonçalves, chief scientist and board member of the Oceano Azul…

Underwater research methods

Mayorga is analysing underwater video recorded at depths of 40 to 50 metres (130 to 165 feet) by cameras mounted on metal frames baited to attract fish.

Comparing protected areas

He is particularly interested in comparing waters south of the Desertas Islands, where fishing is completely prohibited, with those to the north, where some fishing is still allowed.

Desertas Islands research

The expedition’s flagship is the 70-metre sailing ship Santa Maria Manuela, which has brought researchers to the Desertas Islands, a group of three uninhabited rocky islets about 40 kilometres (25 miles) south-east of Madeira.

Temperature sensors on rocks

On the largest island, Rui Seabra, a 44-year-old researcher from the University of Porto, attaches temperature sensors to rocks exposed at low tide along a small cove.

Environmental DNA samples

Nearby, a marine biologist aboard an inflatable boat collected environmental DNA samples from the water to reveal which fish species are present.

Expedition leader's view

‘We are on the front lines of the real fight to find solutions that allow us to address problems on the ground,’ said expedition leader Emanuel Goncalves.

“We are on the front lines of the real fight to find solutions that allow us to address problems on the ground”

UN biodiversity summit

The fieldwork comes as a UN biodiversity summit, known as COP17, gets underway Monday in Armenia to discuss efforts to protect the world’s natural ecosystems.

Mediterranean monk seal recovery

An ocean in a good state of conservation is the best weapon we have against climate change, said Paulo Oliveira, coordinator of the Madeira Ocean conservation programme launched in May.

“An ocean in a good state of conservation is the best weapon we have against climate change”