A study by the University of La Laguna reveals that the Majorera limpet (Patella candei) has practically disappeared from the entire coast of Fuerteventura and the islet of Lobos. Only a relic population survives in the south, in the Jandía peninsula, where strong waves hinder illegal harvesting.
The Majorera limpet (Patella candei), endemic to Fuerteventura and the Salvaje Islands, is critically endangered. A study led by the University of La Laguna (ULL) published in the journal Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems confirms that the species has disappeared from almost the entire coastline of Fuerteventura and the islet of Lobos. Only one population remains in the Jandía peninsula, in the south of the island.
A Recovery Plan That Has Not Worked
The Majorera limpet has been protected since 2015, when the Government of the Canary Islands prohibited its harvesting and designated conservation areas. However, researchers note that its status has not improved. When comparing historical data with current data, the situation is even worse.
The study, framed within the doctoral thesis of Marina Aliende Hernández, supervised by doctors José Carlos Hernández and Beatriz Alfonso, shows that the main threat remains harvesting pressure. The limpet lives in the intertidal zone and is exposed to air during low tide, making it very vulnerable to illegal collection.
Researchers are calling for new conservation strategies to prevent the total extinction of the species.
The fact that the only surviving population is located in Jandía, an area with strong waves year-round, reinforces the hypothesis that illegal harvesting is the key factor. There, access to the coast is complicated, which hinders poaching activities.
For the residents of Fuerteventura, this news is a blow. The Majorera limpet is a symbol of Canary biodiversity, and its disappearance would affect the island's marine ecosystem. Moreover, illegal harvesting is also impacting other more commercially valuable limpet species, such as the black and white limpets, which are becoming smaller due to overexploitation.
Climate Change as an Aggravating Factor
Behind this trend is not only overfishing. Climate change also plays a decisive role. The increase in sea temperature and changes in currents are altering the living conditions of the Majorera limpet, according to the study published in Global Ecology and Conservation (GECCO).
Scientists warn that if urgent measures are not taken, the species could completely disappear in the coming decades. The ULL team recommends strengthening surveillance along the coasts of Jandía, establishing stricter fishing bans, and launching awareness campaigns among the local population and tourists.
For the Canary reader, the message is clear: illegal harvesting not only puts a unique species at risk but also impoverishes the natural heritage of the islands. The Majorera limpet is a treasure of Fuerteventura that, without decisive action, could be lost forever.
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