Luiz Saldanha Marine Park - Partial Protection Zone

Category: Nature > Reserva natural

District: Setúbal > Setúbal > Azeitão

Location

The Luiz Saldanha Marine Park, Partial Protection Zone is located off the majestic coast of the Setúbal district, extending into the maritime surroundings of the municipality of Setúbal. Its area of influence covers a coastal and marine stretch of exceptional natural beauty, which can be administratively referenced by its proximity to the inland locality of Azeitão. Its crystal-clear waters are embraced by the imposing landscape of the Serra da Arrábida, providing a unique scenario where the mountain meets the ocean dramatically.

Underwater Richness

This marine park is a true sanctuary of biodiversity, characterized by the extraordinary variety of marine life that inhabits its seabed. Its remarkably clear waters reveal a mosaic of underwater ecosystems, from extensive rocky reefs to vast seagrass meadows. These habitats serve as nurseries and refuges for a multitude of species of fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and other invertebrate life forms, creating a constantly colorful and moving scene. The particularity of the currents and the natural protection offered by the coastal geomorphology contribute to the proliferation of unique species, some of which are rare and of great biological value.

Ecological and Geological Value

The designation of "Partial Protection Zone" underscores the crucial importance of this park in the conservation of coastal marine ecosystems. The area is a natural laboratory for the study of marine ecology, harboring biological communities in excellent state of conservation. Geologically, the seabed is marked by complex rock formations, caves, and submerged canyons that result from the continuation of the Serra da Arrábida underwater, creating a fascinating underwater topography. This set of natural and geological features gives the Luiz Saldanha Marine Park an invaluable status for nature protection and for the enhancement of Portugal's natural heritage.

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