Scientists from the Madeira Ocean expedition compared areas inside and outside the Garajau natural reserve, concluding that the protected zone displays higher marine biodiversity.
"We confirmed that the Garajau reserve has a positive effect on the preservation and growth of biodiversity," stated Filipe Henriques, a coordinator of the diving teams. He highlighted that, in contrast to areas outside the reserve where activities like fishing occur, protected marine areas "have a fundamental effect" on conservation.
During dives, species such as dogfish, groupers, and wreckfish were observed within the reserve, which were not seen in a nearby unprotected area. Divers visually recorded species in the water column and on the seabed, noting a greater ecological balance in protected areas, where there is no dominance of a single species. Outside the protected area, the lower diversity of species is a sign of ecological imbalance.
