My project was based in Tenerife in the Canaries and is an analysis of the biodiversity of fish species in and around a natural underwater rock structure called ‘The Arch’ which is located on the West coast of Tenerife in a Special Conservation Zone  (ZEC ES7020017: Zonas Especiales de Conservación) called the Teno-Rasca Marine Strip (location 23 on the map)

The ZEC was set up in 2011 as part of the Spanish government’s commitment to the EU Natura 2000 programme. The ZEC covers 69,489.68 hectares from Buenavista (in the north) as far south as the resorts of Los Christianos and Las Americas. The purpose of the ZEC is to ensure the long-term survival of the most vulnerable animals and natural habitats in Europe and to help mitigate the loss of marine diversity caused by the effect of human activities. My project established a baseline of fish diversity in the area.

I am very grateful to the team of the Los Gigantes Dive School who provided the diving equipment, boat access to the dive site and dive buddy, Sheila (part-owner of the dive school). Their enthusiasm for the project and technical expertise were invaluable.

 Dr Jaime Davies is the expert on BIIGLE^© software and was very patient and encouraging when internet access was proving to be difficult.

Pelagic fish are ecologically important to marine ecosystems and are a highly valuable ecosystem resource. Understanding how fish are distributed through different landscapes can help with developing conservation strategies. The Spanish government want the community interest of ZEC areas to be managed in a way to guarantee protection and improvement of different types of natural habitats and species. The goal is to achieve a sustainable balance between encouraging the number of uses and activities in the area while conserving the natural values ​​it contains.

Fish biodiversity and whether it is being monitored and protected in a region can reassure the general public that environmental and sustainability standards are being maintained. For the local businesses in Los Gigantes (and tourism in Tenerife and the Canaries) this knowledge can boost the local economy by encouraging more tourism. The Dive Center is already using footage of the dives to promote their PADI Scientific Diver courses.

As part of its involvement with Natura 2000, the Spanish government is required to provide reports to the EU every six years, analysing the state of the protected areas within their territories. As this project develops into a PhD and the diversity of fish species in the area continues to be studied, it is hoped that the results will form part of the next round of review reports in 2026. Studies of this type will provide local marine organisations – government (Ayuntamiento Marinero Santiago del Teide) and nongovernment – with information and advice to continue to further protect marine environments and encourage sustainable use of marine resources.