|
|
The Canary Current is one of the richest and most productive upwelling areas in the eastern tropical Atlantic Ocean. Driven by prevailing winds, the Canary Current flows southwestward along the coast of West Africa, bringing cool water toward the equator. As the wind moves the water on the surface, nutrient-rich water from the bottom of the ocean rises, which creates a highly productive region.
The Canary Current moves faster and faster as it passes the Canary Islands. A bit farther south, the current meets warm water flowing in the opposite direction. This mixture promotes the growth of plankton and the fish and other marine creatures that depend on it, especially deep-sea fish and lobsters. The waters teem with horse mackerel, hake, pilchard, and schools of Spanish sardines. West African manatees and green and olive ridley turtles swim slowly among waving sea grasses, while harbor porpoises search for prey nearby. Humpback whales come to the ecoregion during breeding season. And millions of birds stop to rest and feed on the Banc d'Arguin and Bijagos Archipelago during their long migration from the Arctic.
Overfishing is a serious threat to the ecoregion. Other problems include urban development, soil erosion, and pollution from sewage, agrochemical products, and oil industries on land, as well as from shipping.
|
