Hermaphroditism is thought to be an advantageous strategy common in marine molluscs that exhibit simultaneous, sequential or alternating hermaphroditism. Several species of patellid limpets have previously been shown to be protandrous hermaphrodites. The present study aimed to confirm whether this phenomenon occurs in Patella piperata. Transitional forms of simultaneous protandrous hermaphroditism were found in intermediate size classes of P. piperata, in Madeira (North-eastern Atlantic). Sequential hermaphroditism was confirmed after histological analysis. The overall sex-ratio was biased towards females but approached similar proportions in the larger size classes. Analysis of size at sex change showed that at a shell length of 36 mm 50% of the population probably have changed sex. The results reported confirm the occurrence of sequential hermaphroditism. These findings are of utmost importance to the understanding of the reproductive biology of this species with direct effect on management and conservation of this traditionally harvested limpet.

Trapeliopsis gymnidiata, a terricolous species from the Canary Islands, is described as new to science. It has previously been confused with T. wallrothii, but differs by the soft, partly decorticate isidia, or rather gymnidia, that leave inconspicuous scars after falling off. Trapeliopsis wallrothii is known only from high mountains in Macaronesia, while T. gymnidiata is a lowland species. Trapelia rubra from Madeira is also described as new to science. It grows in similar places and resembles some morphs of Trapelia coarctata, but differs by the nearly squamulose areoles, the crenulate, seemingly sorediate, apothecium margin that does not become excluded, and especially by the patchy red colour (skyrin) in the medulla.

The Macaronesian Islands in the mid-Atlantic pose a number of questions relating to their colonization by littoral tanaidaceans, as these taxa have no obligate dispersive phase. Recent surveys of the four main archipelagos discovered twelve species of tanaidacean, four of which are new to science, in seven genera (one new to science). In addition, some taxa described by Vanhöffen at the beginning of the last century were rediscovered. All the taxa are described, and their zoogeography, likely origin, and possible means of colonization are discussed.

This is the first work describing some biological aspects of the arrowhead dogfish, Deania profundorum. The specimens were captured in two surveys (2004–2005) between 151 and 1200 m off the Madeira archipelago (north-east Atlantic Ocean). A total of 351 females (36–110 cm) and 169 males (27–94 cm) were sampled. The smallest (27 cm) and the biggest (110 cm) specimens ever caught were recorded. Females were most abundant in the overall depths, apart from the middle range of 451–1050 m where the sex-ratio was 1:1. A vertical stratification by size occurred, since all the juveniles less than 40 cm length were caught deeper than 950 m. This species was sexually dimorphic with females growing to larger sizes than males and being larger at first maturity. All stages of maturity were found during the sampling period. Nineteen gravid females with six to 11 embryos (9–18 cm length) were found. The data obtained indicate that the Madeira slopes are a nursery and reproductive area for D. profundorum.

The Mediterranean monk seal is categorized as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is in urgent need of effective conservation measures. Following a steep decline in the 20th century, the National Park Service of Madeira initiated efforts to protect the species in the archipelago of Madeira, including habitat protection, scientific research and public awareness. The aim of this study was to analyse data collected during a monitoring project (1988–2005) to assess the conservation status of the species and identify priority conservation actions for the future. The study recorded the presence of the species at key pupping sites in a strictly protected area at the Desertas Islands, increased sightings in recent years around the main island of Madeira, an increase in the number of pups born, and low mortality. The population in the archipelago of Madeira is currently estimated to be 20-30 adults. These findings suggest that the species remains Critically Endangered in the area but that its conservation situation has improved because of the implementation of effective conservation actions. Conservation priorities identified include protecting suitable monk seal habitat at Madeira, investigating seal–fisheries interactions, increasing environmental education, and strengthening regional legislation for the protection of the species.

Whaling has been known in Portugal since the 12th Century. However, the significant commercial interest of this activity began in the 19th Century and carried on through the 20th Century on the mainland and on the archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira. The purpose of this study is to conduct a global review of Portuguese whaling data and to obtain information on coastal catches of whales by the Portuguese land-based fleet during the 20th Century. Different periods of whaling can be discriminated considering the three Portuguese geographical locations but, globally, 89 years of land-based whaling in Portugal gave a total capture of 29,180 great whales. Captures included sperm, fin, humpback, sei, right and minke whales. Decline of the land-based whaling industry followed the decline of species in the exploited grounds.

Detailed studies on the lichen genus Porina in Macaronesia have led to a reappraisal of the genuine identity of Porina atlantica (Erichsen) P. M. Jørg., a characteristic species that has previously been confused with P. guaranitica, P. heterospora, P. nucula, P. mastoidea or P. rhodostoma in the literature, and is here reported from Madeira, the Canary Islands, Ireland, France and Portugal. Two new species are described: P. effilata Brand & Sérus. sp. nov. (known from Madeira, the Canary Islands, Great Britain, Ireland and Portugal) and P. ocoteae Brand & Sérus. sp. nov. (restricted to La Palma, Canary Islands, and São Jorge in the Azores). Porina leptospora Nyl. is recognized at the species level, and P. isidiata Kalb & Hafellner is reduced into synonymy with P. atlantica. A key to all known species of Porina in Macaronesia is provided.

In order to describe the resting and pupping habitat of the Critically Endangered Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus and facilitate the identification of preferences by the species for suitable habitat for resting and pupping, 94 sea caves in the archipelago of Madeira were located, charted, and categorized using six characteristics. A cluster analysis indicated that there are eight different types of cave, in three groups. Observations of cave usage indicate that monk seals in the archipelago do not appear to exhibit a preference for certain cave types for resting. When taking care of young, however, the species appears to prefer sea caves that have beaches above sea level during high tide and long entrance corridors. Based on these preferences we believe that although there is a large number of caves in the area that are suitable for resting, only 16 (17%) of the caves are suitable for pupping. The survival of the Critically Endangered Mediterranean monk seal will depend on the allocation of sufficient suitable habitat for reproduction.

Byssoloma llimonae, a new species described from NE Spain, Madeira and the Canary Islands (Gomera, La Palma and Tenerife), is a mostly corticolous species, closely related to the more widespread and usually foliicolous Bapalmuia kakouettae (=Byssoloma aptrootii). The generic position of this group of species within the Pilocarpaceae is still unclear. The new combination Byssoloma kakouettae (Sérus.) R. Lücking & Sérus. is introduced.

The taxonomy and nomenclature of the Rubus species (sub)endemic to Madeira and the Azores are treated. Only three species names have to be retained: R. bollei Focke (synonyms: R. canariensis Focke, R. concolor Lowe, R. suspiciosus Menezes, R. vahlii Frid.), R. hochstetterorum Seub., and R. serrae Soldano (R. grandifolius Lowe). The last two species are described and illustrated. Three names are lectotypified. A key to Rubus of the Macaronesian region (five native species, one hybrid, one neophyte) is provided.