ILLAS CIES I

This work camp is located on the Illas Cíes, specifically on the Island of Monteagudo (north) at the mouth of the Ría de Vigo, in the municipality of Vigo (Pontevedra).

The Cíes Islands form part, together with the Cortegada, Sálvora and Ons archipelagos, of the Galician Atlantic Islands Maritime-Terrestrial National Park.

The ecological value of its marine environment is incalculable since within its waters some of the most representative examples of Atlantic marine ecosystems are preserved, which treasure great biological wealth.

The marine environment of the Park is a great mosaic of different habitats that support an extraordinary diversity of flora and fauna. There are important communities such as brown algae forests (Saccorhiza polyschides and Laminaria spp.), or those associated with seabeds such as those of Mäerl, and we also find habitats defined as of community or priority interest within the Habitats Directive of the European Union, such as reefs, lagoons or shallow sandbanks permanently covered with seawater.

The terrestrial environment is strongly influenced by the proximity of the ocean, highlighting the dune systems, the cliffs and the gorse or heather thickets.

Also in the emerged part of the islands we find habitats considered to be of community interest or priority by the directives, such as the gray dunes, the aerohaline coastal scrub or the southern Atlantic humid heather scrub.

The main problem for conservation in this environment has been human pressure. Especially in the Cíes Islands, eucalyptus, pine or acacia plantations have displaced the native vegetation in several areas. The eradication of these native species is a very long-term process that is already being worked on and the results of which will be seen gradually.

Actions are currently being carried out to develop adequate management of public use, waste from the islands, navigation and anchoring of boats, fishing, shellfishing, etc.

Sport fishing and underwater fishing are prohibited within the limits of the National Park.

COMPLEMENTARY ACTIVITIES:

• Sport activities.

• Diving.

• Group dynamics.

• Guided routes.

• Workshops.

• Theme evenings.

• Environmental activities.