“The scientific expedition, which took place between October 2nd and 7th, in the Algarve Reef Marine Natural Park – Pedra do Valado revealed an ecosystem of exceptional richness, with 206 species identified, including more than 40 new records for this protected area,” says a joint statement from the Oceano Azul Foundation, the Lisbon Oceanarium and the Center for Marine Sciences (CCMAR) of the University of Algarve.

Among the 40 species that, while not new to science, have now been recorded for the first time on the Pedra do Valado reef – covering approximately 156 square kilometres and located off the coast of the Algarve municipalities of Albufeira, Lagoa, and Silves – are fish, gorgonians [organisms related to corals], hard corals, and various species of invertebrates.

In total, 206 species have been recorded so far, including 137 invertebrate species, 41 fish species, 13 algae species, 12 seabird species, and three cetacean species (marine mammals).

In addition to the 40 species with first-time records, one of the reef's highlights is the rhodolith bed (calcareous algae), the only one known in mainland Portugal, according to the joint statement, which adds that the rhodolith bed is a "habitat of high ecological importance," particularly in carbon sequestration.

Preliminary results indicate, according to the statement, that the reef ecosystem is healthy and functional, despite being vulnerable to climate change.

Algae concerns

Scientific studies, however, revealed the disappearance of previously identified seagrass meadows on the reef, "a worrying sign" that could be associated with the proliferation of the invasive Asian algae 'Rugulopterix okamurae'.

"The initial results reinforce the uniqueness of the ecosystem and the importance of monitoring and protecting the Algarve Reef Marine Natural Park - Pedra do Valado," the institutions stated in the press release.

The scientific campaign aimed to collect data on the reef's biodiversity to support the formalization of a protected marine area with continuous monitoring and an effective management plan.

The Algarve Reef Marine Natural Park – Pedra do Valado is the first Marine Protected Area of ​​Community Interest in mainland Portugal and resulted from a process that brought together fishermen, scientists, local authorities, and citizens with the goal of protecting the ocean.