The second campaign to assess the state of recovery of biodiversity in El Hierro has come to an end with a positive balance. The research group on Biodiversity, Marine Ecology and Conservation (Bioecomac) of the University of La Laguna has examined the state of biodiversity after the latest volcanic event.

The concern focused on those protected areas of the marine reserve and areas of low accessibility, but the results have been positive and the recovery is being carried out at a good pace, especially in these areas.

The causes of this recovery are found in the arrival of larvae and highly mobile species during the spawning period, such as the schools (ranches) of old women. The growth of invertebrates has been essential for the restructuring of the ecosystem, as well as the halt of fishing activities. The low water temperatures that provide a greater number of nutrients have contributed to this.

On the other hand, formations of the marine brown algae “Cystoseira abies” have been produced, a species that disappeared in the mid-nineties due to climate change, and which now serves as a refuge and space for breeding, while helping to improve the quality of the landscape.