RESTINGA, GRACIOSA ISLAND, AZORES

PORTUGAL

Co-ordinates: 39º00’45’’N 27º56’55’’W	One of the Restinga islets. Photo RS Santos ImagDOP

Conservation status:

0

1

2

3

4

Description of site:

Large irregular lava flow field connecting one large islet to the neighbouring rocky coasts and supporting important underwater habitats. The site comprehends a 5 Km-long stretch of coast between Ponta dos Fenais and Carapacho, including Poça bay.

Description of fauna and flora:

The site comprises very diverse intertidal and sublittoral rocky habitats along a large stretch of shallow coast, including several islets ad small reefs, highly irregular volcanic bedrock and sheltered bays. In these sheltered bays, occasionally, it is possible to observe turtles, Caretta caretta. It is an important area for the reproduction of marine birds, such as Sterna hirundo.

Human impact:

Area used by artisanal fishermen and by limpet collectors.

Commitment and ongoing research:

There is a written commitment from individual scientists with the outline of activities. Several papers and reports dealing with algae, benthic invertebrate, fish and seabirds, published or in preparation, resulted from different expeditions since the late 70’s. 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 University facilities at Faial Island are located 40 nm away, and can be accessed through vessel operations. The island is served by regular flights from other islands in the archipelago.

Available database and website:

Islets of Carapacho: http://www.horta.uac.pt/scubazores/Graciosa/Carapacho.htm

Poça Bay: http://www.horta.uac.pt/scubazores/Graciosa/BaiaPoca.htm

Made under the support of: