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Lisbon, Portugal (AP) — Local authorities in Portugal’s Madeira Islands expanded their protected areas on Monday, creating what they said was the largest fully protected marine protected area in Europe and the North Atlantic.
The reserve extends 12 nautical miles around the Selvagens Islands, a small archipelago located between the Madeira Islands off the northwestern coast of Africa and the Canary Islands of Spain. It covers a total area of 2,677 square kilometers (1,034 square miles).
All species in the reserve are fully protected from fishing and other mining activities, said Oceano Azul, one of the reserve’s advocates.
Their researchers worked with the Waitt Foundation and the National Geographic Pristine Seas to carry out scientific research to support the need for protected areas. In a statement, the three organizations stated that the open waters around the island were important passages for fish and mammal migration, and the waters near the island’s coast provided important nursery habitats.
Given that less than 8% of the sea is currently protected, the group emphasized the importance of the Portuguese movement.
Madeira’s regional president, Miguel Albukerk, said in a statement that Monday’s approval hopes to “stimulate” others by taking “similar steps to protect our oceans.” Stated.
Portugal Creates North Atlantic Largest Marine Reserve | WGN Radio 720
Source link Portugal Creates North Atlantic Largest Marine Reserve | WGN Radio 720
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