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Quatro Ribeiras
Protected Area of Resources Management
With about 181 hectares, this coastal marine area is on the southwest coast of the island and presents basaltic lava flows partially covered by sedimentary formations of rolled stones and boulders, cracks and sand clearings.
It has protected natural habitat, associated with high biodiversity of marine life, including coral reefs and bays sheltered with underwater caves that are important for the conservation of several species of fish, such as Blackspot Seabream (Pagellus bogaraveo), Dusky Grouper (Epinephelus marginatus), Yellowmouth Barracuda (Sphyraena viridensis) and Longfin Yellowtail (Seriola rivoliana), and invertebrates, such as the octopus (Octopus vulgaris) and the Antipathella wollastoni.
This area integrates the Ponta das Contentas Special Protection Area (SPA) within the Natura 2000 network and constitutes an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) from the BirdLife International organization.