The Azores, an autonomous Portuguese archipelago, has recently approved legislation to create the largest marine protected area (MPA) network in the North Atlantic Ocean, covering 287,000 square kilometers (about 110,800 square miles). This initiative aims to protect 30% of the ocean surrounding the archipelago.
Half of the MPA network is designated as 'fully protected,' prohibiting extractive activities like fishing, while allowing regulated activities such as diving and marine tourism. The 'highly protected' areas permit low-impact activities, including pole and line fishing, balancing conservation with economic opportunities in tourism and the blue economy.
Scientific expeditions conducted in 2016 and 2018 mapped over 21,469 km² (8,289 mi²) of seafloor, revealing more than 300 seamounts that support vulnerable cold-water corals and sponges. The region serves as a crucial biodiversity corridor for migratory marine species, linking ecosystems between the Americas, Europe, and Africa.
This MPA network not only enhances ecological resilience against threats like pollution and overfishing but also positions the Azores as a leader in global conservation efforts, contributing to the goal of protecting 30% of the planet's lands and oceans by 2030.