SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 2 Aug. (EUROPA PRESS) –
On Saturday, 3rd August, the La Palma Marine Reserve of Fishing Interest will be marking 23 years dedicated to safeguarding and sustaining a unique ecosystem in the Canary Islands.
Established in 2001, this reserve has been pivotal in the protection of marine biodiversity and in supporting artisanal fishing activities, both of which contribute to the socioeconomic growth of the region as mentioned in a press release from the Ministry of Agriculture.
Encompassing 3,564 hectares, with 847 hectares designated as an integral reserve zone, the management of this marine area falls under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food, being situated entirely in external waters.
Characterised by a limited continental shelf, the area features rugged seabeds of significant scenic and biological value, hosting numerous cracks, caves, and tunnels that provide habitat for diverse communities. Close to the coast, the marine reserve’s waters reach considerable depths where pelagic species thrive. Various fish species such as vieja, salema, amberjack, and ábade inhabit these waters, some of which are rare in other western Canary Islands.
The marine flora is primarily made up of brown algae communities, with protected species like Cystoseira abies-marina. Tropical anemones are also found in seabeds, creating a unique sanctuary for these species. The cave and crevice areas boast a rich marine invertebrate biodiversity, with the Canarian lobster standing out among them.
The area’s biodiversity is complemented by sightings of mammals and marine turtles like the bottlenose dolphin, hammerhead shark, and loggerhead turtle, which are frequently observed in the reserve’s waters.
During the eruption of the Cumbre Vieja volcano, scientific monitoring by the Ministry played a crucial role in the reserve, allowing scientific teams to conduct tests to enhance understanding of the area. The images captured provided insights into the lava’s interaction with the sea, the formation of volcanic tube beds, and the gradual appearance of species of fishing interest.
La Palma’s marine reserve is one of three managed by the ministry in the Canary Islands, alongside the Punta de La Restinga Mar de Las Calmas reserve in El Hierro, and the La Graciosa and Islotes reserve in the north of Lanzarote (co-managed by the ministry and the autonomous community of the Canary Islands), collectively protecting a total of 75,507 hectares.
REGENERATION OF FISHERY RESOURCES
Marine reserves of fishing interest are protected areas primarily aimed at replenishing fishing resources and preserving traditional artisanal fisheries in the region.
It has been the professional fishing sector, represented by fishermen’s associations, that has advocated for the creation of these areas since the establishment of the first marine reserve, Tabarca Island.
Artisanal fishing is allowed in marine reserves, being the main activity alongside recreational pursuits like diving. The network of marine reserves comprises 12 protected areas exclusively managed or jointly managed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food with autonomous communities (five are exclusively managed, and the remaining seven are shared).
Together, these areas cover a total of 105,243 hectares, with 10,162 hectares designated as integral reserve areas and 95,081 hectares for other reserved activities. They exemplify management based on three core principles: surveillance and control, scientific monitoring, and dissemination.
