The Desertas Islands
- Ilhas Desertas/Madeira
With a total area of 1,421 hectares, the Desertas Islands are composed of the following three islands: Ilhéu do Chão, Deserta Grande and Bugio. These three islands are located approximately 22 miles southeast of Funchal. Sea Lions have taken refuge and made the Desertas their home.
In 1990, the Regional Government of Madeira declared that on the Desertas Islands there be assigned a specific area in order to ensure that this species is protected and well taken care of.
- Ilhas Desertas/Madeira
In 1992 the European Council appointed the Desertas Islands as a biogenetic reserve. Underwater fishing is strictly prohibited here as well as navigating south of the protected area. A stopover or visit is possible at the Deserta Grande, but, in order to do so, a written authorization from the Madeira Natural Park is required.