When, I saw the “Guía visual de Especies Marinas de Canarias” for the first time, WWF/ADENA was presenting a proposal to protect key zones for the marine biodiversity of the Canary Islands; 12 areas where we still can enjoy the delightful diversity and richness harboured by these islands, which send an urgent signal in order to preserve and protect them.

Again, our path crossed with the aims of Oceanografica, not only because we share the same vision towards the sea and its problems, but because one of the best tools in our mission to protect the oceans was this visual field guide, a book that deserved to come out, and they did it.

Located among Europe, America and Africa, Macaronesian waters are full of life and are a source of resources since immemorial times. However, a species presented in the field guide, indeed the first one (humans), has perturbed its health, taking their inhabitants under a serious threat. In the last century, the ecological balance of the species living in our oceans has been severely damaged, and the wellness of our seas has been progressively deteriorated as a result of overfishing, the increase of marine pollution or the unsustainable urban pressure, among other reasons.

Silently, and in many cases without human awareness, many species have decreased their abundances or even have disappeared; in fact, several species vanish every day. Whoever was able to dive on underwater reefs and ledges 50 years ago has a clue about what I’m talking about, and this is something we can not accept to occur.

The Field guide “365 Atlantic Species” fills a gap in the shelves of any bookstore, and should be “must-read” for whoever loves the sea. Indispensable for students of Marine Sciences and Marine Biology, this field guide is useful for those who love diving; even kids can get familiar with the underwater treasures from the Cape Verde, Canaries, Madeira and Azores.

I’m amazed by the balance to match a desirable scientific rigour with remarkable dissemination simplicity, including relevant information about the species and their protection status; over and above all, I’m impressed by the visual, photographic, presentation of the species. A great contribution to recognize and admire what we can still preserve.

WWF/Adena and other organizations try to show what we are losing, and propose ways to mitigate such a loss, so we can “recover our patient”. We are aware that if we raise the awareness of our marine treasures, we will win a battle against its silent disappearance. It’s always good to have Oceanografica and its works with us in this fight.

José Luis García Varas
Marine Program, WWF/Adena
Madrid, July 2008