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D. JOÃO DE CASTRO BANK, AZORES |
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PORTUGAL |
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Co-ordinates: 38º13’35’’N 26º36’33’’W |
Plymouth Sound, City and Tamar estuary. Photo K Hiscock |
Conservation status:
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4 |
Description of site:
One of the few known shallow-water hydrothermal vent fields in the world. An underwater volcano located 40 miles offshore the two main islands of the Azores (S. Miguel and Terceira).
Sublittoral
offshore rocky habitats, including unique shallow (-13 and -40 m) and mid-water
(-200 m) hydrothermal vents with bacterial mats. Sediment and boulders inside
the crater (around 45 m) and around the volcanic apparatus. The slope and base
of the bank includes deepwater habitats to depths below 1000 m.
Description of fauna and flora:
Conspicuous species of the area include Mobula tarapacana, large Seriola spp. and Kyphosus sp. specimens, and high density schools of Sphyraena viridensis. Benthic species include algae, such as Codium elisabethae (high densities around shallow vent areas), Zonaria tourneforti or Sargassum sp., among several invertebrate species.
Human impact:
Professional fishing is allowed in the area and is showing a rising effect on some target species.
Commitment and ongoing research:
There is a written intention of the interest from the Department of Oceanography and Fisheries of the University of the Azores with outline of planned activities. Reports dealing with bacteria, algae, benthic invertebrate, fish and marine birds published or in preparation, resulting from the University expeditions during the last 4 years. Other papers deal with bio-geochemical aspects of the hydrothermal community.
Habitats present:
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Mud |
Sand |
Rock |
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Intertidal |
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Subtidal |
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Seagrass beds |
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Facilities:
Research is to be supported by offshore vessel operations such as the ones carried out by the University in previous years. The neighbouring islands of Terceira (45 nm to NW) and São Miguel (45 nm to SW) can serve as bases for operational structures, taking advantage of the University of the Azores and other facilities (harbour, nautical and diving clubs, harbour warehouses, etc.).
Available database and website:
http://www.horta.uac.pt/scubazores/D_Joao/index.html
Species list at http://www.horta.uac.pt/scubazores/D_Joao/ListaSpp.htm
Made under the support of:
