8.5 Critical Locations for Marine Vegetation Biodiversity
and Conservation in the Alboran Sea
This section presents a selection of areas of exceptional interest (Fig. 8.9) due to the
high biodiversity and healthy condition of the benthic macroalgae or seagrass
communities. Most of these locations are in protected areas, and they are accessible
for direct observation by snorkel or scuba diving.
To observe the different seaweed and seagrass communities, it is important to
take into account the seasonality of many of the organisms. Some species have a
seasonal development (annual species), while others are perennial species. In general, the period between spring and early summer is the best time to see most of them
in their well-developed state. Others, such as those formed by encrusting red
seaweeds, maerl beds, or seagrass meadows, can be seen at any time of the year,
although the biodiversity associated with them may vary during the year.
Most of the areas discussed below are included in the Natura 2000 network. It is
necessary to keep in mind that, in order to access an area for recreational or scientific
activities, permission is required from the area management administration, which is
why prior consultation is recommended. Detailed information for a large part of
Fig. 8.9 Locations with especial interest for marine vegetation biodiversity and conservation in the
Alboran Sea. 1, Cabo de Gata; 2, Roquetas de Mar; 3, Punta Entinas-Sabinar; 4, Alboran Island;
5, Acantilados y Fondos Marinos de Calahonda-Castell de Ferro; 6, Acantilados de Maro-Cerro;
7, Calahonda; 8, Placer de las Bóvedas; 9, Estepona; 10, Ceuta; 11, Al Hoceima; 12, Cape Tres
Forcas; 13, Chafarinas Islands
266
A. Flores-Moya et al.
and Conservation in the Alboran Sea
This section presents a selection of areas of exceptional interest (Fig. 8.9) due to the
high biodiversity and healthy condition of the benthic macroalgae or seagrass
communities. Most of these locations are in protected areas, and they are accessible
for direct observation by snorkel or scuba diving.
To observe the different seaweed and seagrass communities, it is important to
take into account the seasonality of many of the organisms. Some species have a
seasonal development (annual species), while others are perennial species. In general, the period between spring and early summer is the best time to see most of them
in their well-developed state. Others, such as those formed by encrusting red
seaweeds, maerl beds, or seagrass meadows, can be seen at any time of the year,
although the biodiversity associated with them may vary during the year.
Most of the areas discussed below are included in the Natura 2000 network. It is
necessary to keep in mind that, in order to access an area for recreational or scientific
activities, permission is required from the area management administration, which is
why prior consultation is recommended. Detailed information for a large part of
Fig. 8.9 Locations with especial interest for marine vegetation biodiversity and conservation in the
Alboran Sea. 1, Cabo de Gata; 2, Roquetas de Mar; 3, Punta Entinas-Sabinar; 4, Alboran Island;
5, Acantilados y Fondos Marinos de Calahonda-Castell de Ferro; 6, Acantilados de Maro-Cerro;
7, Calahonda; 8, Placer de las Bóvedas; 9, Estepona; 10, Ceuta; 11, Al Hoceima; 12, Cape Tres
Forcas; 13, Chafarinas Islands
266
A. Flores-Moya et al.