The wealth of fish in this zone is essentially a result of the emergence of cold waters, rich in nutrientes near the African coast. This cold current also assures plentiful carpetting of vegetation species and sebadals.

The large scale extension of the reserve and its geographical location (open sea, exposure to the wind and distance from any ports where boats can monitor the reserve) means that a project to install a teledetection system is now underway, with which the access and transit of boats at the reserve can be controlled. This system consists of a station with detection sensor located in 'El Río' viewing point in Lanzarote, and a control centre in La Graciosa which would receive the information by means of radio links.

Inside the reserve professional and recreational fishing is allowed but with some restrictions. Subaquatic activities need authorization, as do scientific activities.

The Marine Reserve of the 'Sea of Calmness' was created in 1996 by request of the present fishing sector in the zone. This reserve has 750 hectares distributed in rectangular shape. It is located in the western end of the island of El Hierro, in the settlement of La Restinga. The name, Sea of Calmness, is a result of the permanent good weather that reigns in this area, which allows fishing throughout the whole year. It is for fishing reasons that the marine reserve was created: the relevant institutions thought it appropriate to protect an area rich in fish of valuable market price, to avoid overfishing.

Its clear waters and the lack of insular platforms in some zones, which means that the water reaches great depths near the coast, make El Hierro a valuable place for diving. In fact the General Secretary for Maritime Fishing from the Department of Agriculture and Fishing intends to develop at La Restinga the first monitoring project for subaquatic activities in Spain. In the waters of this reserve recreational fishing is allowed and professional fishing which complies with certain requirements. Subaquatic and scientific activities are permitted if corresponding authorization is possessed.

The most recent Marine Reserve of Spain is that of La Palma, declared in 2001. The reserve is to the southwest of the island, between the Cove of the Birds and Thick Top, and has a surface area of 3 719 hectares. The existing biodiversity and the protection of the species of fishing interest made marine reserve status advisable.

Recreational fishing is not permitted inside the reserve, and professional fishing only can be practised under certain conditions. Immersions in the water and marine traffic are limited. Activities of a scientific nature also need prior authorization.