Luiz Saldanha Marine Park - Total Protection Zone

Category: Nature > Reserva natural

District: Setúbal > Sesimbra > Sesimbra > Casal do Risco

Location

The Luiz Saldanha Marine Park, Total Protection Zone is strategically located off the coast of Sesimbra, in the district of Setúbal, more specifically in the Casal do Risco area. This unique location is part of the sublime context of the municipality of Sesimbra, where the transition between the majestic Arrábida mountain range and the deep blue Atlantic occurs in an unparalleled way. The zone is an integral part of a coastal-marine ecosystem of great value, where the terrestrial landscape of cliffs and Mediterranean vegetation meets a range of underwater habitats.

From the coast, one can glimpse a body of water that hides remarkable natural wealth, its geographical position being an invitation to contemplate the meeting of the rocky element of the mountains and the oceanic vastness. It is a place that, due to its proximity to coastal areas, allows the perception of the wild and untouched beauty that extends beneath the waves.

The Inviolable Sanctuary

This designation of "Total Protection Zone" confers upon the Luiz Saldanha Marine Park a status of an area of very high ecological importance and conservation. It means that it is a space where human intervention is minimized to the maximum, allowing natural processes and marine wildlife to develop without significant disturbances. It is, in essence, a true sanctuary for the species that inhabit here, a place of refuge where nature reigns supreme and its integrity is preserved.

The underlying philosophy of this area is that of a natural legacy that must be kept untouched, a heritage that must not be altered or diminished. It represents a commitment to the permanence and resilience of marine ecosystems, ensuring that this piece of ocean remains a nursery of biodiversity and an example of conservation for future generations.

Underwater Richness

Despite not being accessible for direct exploration, the Total Protection Zone of the Luiz Saldanha Marine Park is recognized for its extraordinary underwater biodiversity. Its waters are home to a myriad of marine species, from various types of colorful fish to crustaceans, mollusks, and a wide range of marine flora that clings to rocky bottoms or moves with the currents.

Submerged rock formations, caves, and artificial or natural reefs serve as shelter and breeding grounds for many forms of life. It is a dynamic and complex ecosystem, where the intricate web of marine life is observed, making it a natural laboratory and a crucial point for maintaining the health of the oceans in the region. The clarity of the waters, when conditions permit, hints at the richness hidden in its depths and rocky outcrops.

Scenic Value and Contemplation

Even without direct access to its underwater interior, the Luiz Saldanha Marine Park, Total Protection Zone offers undeniable scenic value from the surface. The area stands out for the purity and clarity of its waters, which reflect the changing shades of blue and green, in contrast to the grandeur of the cliffs of the Sesimbra coast.

It is a place conducive to the serene contemplation of nature in its purest state. The observation of the coastline, the sea breeze, and the sound of the waves invite a deep connection with the natural environment, allowing appreciation of the vast beauty of the Atlantic and the importance of preserving these delicate and essential ecosystems.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt