BWB – Islands, an oasis in the sea

The protected areas around islands play a key role in the conservation of biodiversity and the regeneration of fish stocks in the world’s oceans. Especially around islands, such protected areas provide vital refuges for numerous marine creatures, as these regions are often characterised by unique habitats such as coral reefs, seagrass beds or mangroves. These habitats are not only important food sources for fish, but also safe breeding grounds and hiding places from predators. Many fish species lay their eggs in shallow, well-protected waters around islands, where the young can grow up in a protected environment. Nearshore areas, such as Madeira has to offer, are suitable as spawning grounds and juvenile fish can thrive before travelling to deeper waters. These protected areas around islands for fish are of crucial importance for the health of the oceans and the safeguarding of marine biodiversity. They therefore make an important contribution to maintaining the balance in the oceans and protecting global biodiversity. This is why a large variety of marine mammals can be found around islands such as Madeira, the Azores or the Canary Islands, which take advantage of the food supply.

by Fatima Kutzschbach