Out of sight, out of mind: Threats to the marine biodiversity of the Canary Islands (NE Atlantic Ocean)

Lack of knowledge of the marine realm may bias our perception of the current status and threats to marine biodiversity. Less than 10% of all ecological literature is related to the ocean, and the information we have on marine species that are threatened or on the verge of extinction is scarce. This lack of information is particularly critical for isolated areas such as oceanic archipelagos. Here we review published and grey literature on the current status of marine organisms in the Canary Islands as a case description of the consequences that current out-of-sight out-of-mind attitudes may have on this unique environment. Global change, as represented by coastal development, pollution, exotic species and climate change, are currently affecting the distribution and abundance of Canarian marine organisms, and pose multiple threats to local species and communities. Environmental risks are significant at community and species levels, particularly for threatened species. Failure to address these trends will result in shifts in local biodiversity with important ecological, social, and economic consequences. Scientists, policy makers, educators, and relevant societal groups need to collaborate to reverse deleterious coastal biodiversity trends.

We would like to thank Dr. Rogelio Herrera and Mr. Leopoldo Moro (Environment Agency of the Canarian Government) for their interchange of ideas and continuous encouragement throughout the manuscript. Thanks are due to the Center for Wildlife Recovery “La Tahonilla”, Cabildo de Tenerife, for supplying the data on turtles and cetaceans.

Peer Reviewed