Habitat mapping of Cabo Girão Marine Park (Madeira island): a tool for conservation and management

摘要: At the time Cabo Girao natural marine park was proposed (2016) and later when it established, (2017), its effective conservation spatial planning goals were hampered by scarce knowledge on sea floor habitats biotic patterns inside area. In present work, a combination of different datasets underwater surveys used to produce first habitat map Natural Marine Park Girao, which is also for Madeira island. Five major identified, including two previously unknown — Avrainvillea canariensis meadows maerl beds. 132 taxa (macroflora, macrofauna fishes) 18 commercially important species three vulnerable fish species. The results show that methods are useful reliable information with limited resources. obtained tool planning, allows improved policy-making better management. This study provides baseline benthic this MPA against future biodiversity changes can be recognised.