Scientists gather off Madeira to study marine conservation impact

An expedition of nearly 200 scientists is studying the marine environment off the Desertas Islands in the Madeira archipelago, Euronews reported. The research team is assessing overall ecosystem health and examining how ocean protection can protect biodiversity and address climate change. [1]

The expedition includes Juan Mayorga, a Colombian marine biologist working with National Geographic's Pristine Seas initiative, Euronews reported. Researchers are analysing underwater footage, including footage of rays gliding over the seabed, to measure the impact of conservation measures on ocean life. [1]

The volcanic islands of the Madeira archipelago show no archaeological evidence of permanent human settlement before Portuguese arrivals in 1419. Radiocarbon dating and genetic analysis of house mouse remains indicate non-native rodents were present by roughly 1033 AD, pointing to possible Viking exploratory contacts between 900 and 1030 AD. [3]

The study comes amidst broader concerns about marine life. Human activity during the current geological epoch is driving an ongoing extinction event known as the Holocene or Anthropocene extinction, which affects both terrestrial and marine species across diverse families of plants and animals. [2]