Between the Canary and Madeira Islands, we find the tiny, barren and uninhabited Selvagens. Far from the tourist crowds, these volcanic outcrops house fantastic seabird colonies and unique species of flora and fauna. The Selvagens were colonized by Portugal in 1438. Being virtually destitute of water, they have only had temporary inhabitants like fishermen, bird hunters and scientists. Many stories have been told about buried pirate treasures; we do not know whether those treasures ever existed but this book reveals some spectacular stories of genuine treasure hunts. Born in 1963, the author is a non-fiction author about islands and maritime history. His website is www.aworldofislands.com.

Atlantic Islands is a long-established cruising guide to the five island groups of the North Atlantic, commonly visited by those sailing the popular Atlantic crossing routes but increasingly enjoyed as cruising destinations in their own right. From the sun-baked lagoons of Bemuda to the verdant slopes of the Azores and Madeira, from the fiery landscapes of the Canaries to the less visited coastlines of the Cape Verdes, this seventh edition has thoroughly updated text and plans and is illustrated with numerous new photographs. Co-authors of the sixth edition, Anne Hammick and Hilary Keatinge, have been joined by Linda Lane Thornton who lives on and cruises in the Azores. Together they enrich the coverage overall with their first-hand knowledge of each of the island groups. An essential companion for those planning a cruise any of the North Atlantic island groups, even more so for anyone planning an Atlantic crossing or circuit. The seventh edition of Atlantic Islands builds on solid foundations…The co-authors know their group of islands inside-out and it shows in the depth of content and recommendations within the guide…..If you are planning on crossing the Atlantic and don’t yet have a copy, then this new seventh edition should be on your pre-departure shopping list. “It is difficult to fault this pilot. It is clearly and consistently laid out- the navigational directions are concise and accurate, the Introductions and History of each archipelago and each island are interesting and whet one’s appetite for exploration. It is an excellent, informative and enjoyable companion for any Atlantic cruising sailor.” Flying Fish Magazine (Ocean Cruising Club)

This is the first comprehensive field guide dealing exclusively with the birds of this spectacular region. Birds of the Atlantic Islands covers all resident, migrant and vagrant species found in Macaronesia which comprises the Canary Islands, Madeira, Azores and Cape Verde. Over 450 resident, migrant and vagrant species are illustrated with full details of all the plumages and major races likely to be encountered. Species accounts are accompanied with concise text outlining bird identification, status, range, distribution and voice. This authoritative book will not only be an indispensable guide to the visiting birder, but also a vital tool for those engaged in work to conserve and study the avifauna of this region. The Atlantic Islands shelter a remarkable diversity of birds, many seriously endangered with small and vulnerable ranges. It further covers the climate, geography and ornithological history of these incredible islands, as well as practical guidance on the best birdwatching areas.

"Thirty years ago when interest in sea turtles was beginning to spread, the ,habitat of the post-hatchlings for all the species was unknown. After they left the nest and made their way through the surf, they simply disappeared. Very slowly, data to suggest a pelagic life in a sargassum weed habitat accumulated, and eventually I received support to investigate that idea intensively. By the end of that research period it was clear that when sargassum rafts are present in longshore arrays within the swimming range of the hatchlings, they do in fact enter them (Carr 1982). It followed that the early developmental stages are pelagic, with the corollary that, because sargassum accumulates along convergences, the adjacent currents may carry the rafts and their occupants on journeys of either local or oceanic extent or both"--Introduction.

A practical, how-to guide to the planning, preparation and execution of an Atlantic passage for three specific passages: a crossing of the Atlantic Ocean, a trip from the East Coast of the U.S.A. to the Caribbean, and cruising around the Caribbean itself.

Oceanic islands offer biologists unparalleled opportunities to study evolutionary processes and ecological phenomena. However, human activity threatens to alter or destroy many of these fragile ecosystems, with recent estimates suggesting that nearly half of the world's insular endemics are threatened with extinction. Bringing together researchers from around the world, this book illustrates how modern research methods and new concepts have challenged accepted theories and changed our understanding of island flora. Particular attention is given to the impact of molecular studies and the insights that they provide into topics such as colonisation, radiation, diversification and hybridisation. Examples are drawn from around the world, including the Hawaiian archipelago, Galapagos Islands, Madagascar and the Macronesian region. Conservation issues are also highlighted, with coverage of alien species and the role of ex situ conservation providing valuable information that will aid the formulation of management strategies and genetic rescue programmes.