NE COAST OF FLORES ISLAND, AZORES

PORTUGAL

Co-ordinates: 39º29’06’’N 31º08’42’’W	NE coast detail. Photo L Quinta ImagDOP

Conservation status:

0

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2

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4

Description of site:

This area is located in the western-most island of the Azores archipelago. The coastal area is defined from Santa Cruz to Ilhéu da Gadelha (approx.: 39º30'N, 31º10'W). It is a sinuous rocky coast (approx. 19 Km-long) fringed by a large system of near-shore islets.

Description of fauna and flora:

Comprises a set of intertidal and sublittoral rocky habitats known to support high marine biodiversity, including intertidal pools and a large number of enclosed bays, submerged caves and islets. Conspicuous species include large specimens of Epinephelus marginatus. Bottom is covered by algae but in the steeper areas is possible to observe phoronids and other less common species. Occasionally, during the night, it is possible to observe Loligo forbesi. It is an important area for the reproduction of several protected marine birds, such as Calonectris diomedea borealis, Sterna hirundo and Sterna dougallii.

Human impact:

There is some impact caused by the limpet collectors and fishing using forbidden gears such as scuba equipment.

Commitment and ongoing research:

There is a written intention of the Department of Oceanography and Fisheries of the University of the Azores for the continuation of the study on this area. A few papers and reports dealing with algae, benthic invertebrate, fish and seabirds, published or in preparation, resulted from the University expeditions during the last decade. Other papers deal with exploitation and conservation aspects.

Habitats present:

	Mud	Sand	Rock
Intertidal			X
Subtidal		X	X
Seagrass beds

Facilities:

Research is to be conducted on fieldtrips, taking advantage of local facilities (harbour, nautical and diving clubs, fish auction warehouses, etc.). The island is served by regular flights from other islands in the archipelago.

Available database and website:

http://www.horta.uac.pt/scubazores/Flores/index.html

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