Another step forward for marine biodiversity.
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are defined zones in oceans, seas or other aquatic areas where human activities are regulated or restricted to ensure the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainability of marine resources. They play a crucial role in protecting marine ecosystems and combating environmental degradation caused by overfishing, pollution and climate change.
Objectives of marine protected areas
MPAs have several objectives, including
- Preservation of biodiversity – They protect marine habitats and ensure the survival of endangered species.
- Regulation of fishing – They contribute to the recovery of fish populations by allowing them to reproduce and grow without excessive fishing pressure.
- Scientific research – They serve as natural laboratories for studies on marine ecosystems and environmental change.
- Mitigation of climate change – Marine ecosystems, such as coral reefs and mangroves, help to capture carbon and reduce the impacts of climate change.
Types of marine protected areas
MPAs can be classified according to their level of protection:
- Marine reserves – Where all human activities are prohibited, including fishing and the exploitation of resources.
- Areas of sustainable use – Where activities such as fishing and tourism are permitted, but in a regulated way to minimise environmental impact.
- Marine parks – Intended for the protection of the environment, but allowing for controlled tourism and scientific research.
Benefits of marine protected areas
MPAs provide a range of environmental, social and economic benefits, including
- Restoration of degraded ecosystems.
- Increased fisheries productivity around protected areas.
- Development of sustainable tourism that benefits local communities.
- Maintaining food security for ocean-dependent populations.
Challenges and future of AMPs
Despite their benefits, MPAs face challenges such as weak enforcement, conflicts with economic interests and lack of community involvement. However, the global commitment to marine conservation has led to the creation of new MPAs and the strengthening of environmental legislation.
With international initiatives such as the goal to protect 30% of the oceans by 2030 (known as ’30×30′), MPAs will continue to play a key role in protecting the oceans and promoting a more sustainable future for the planet.
Creation of the Azores Marine Protected Areas Network (RAMPA)
In October 2024, the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores approved the creation of the largest marine protected area in the North Atlantic, RAMPA (Rede de Áreas Marinhas Protegidas dos Açores), which covers 30% of the Azores Sea – almost a third of the total area – protecting 287,000 square kilometres between 6 and 200 nautical miles. Half of the area is fully protected, with no fishing or other extractive activities allowed. The remaining 15% is under high protection. RAMPA comprises a total of 29 marine reserves.
This marine park aims to protect underwater mountain ranges and fragile ecosystems such as deep-sea corals and hydrothermal vents.
This initiative places the Azores at the forefront of global marine conservation and contributes significantly to Portugal’s achievement of the United Nations target of protecting 30% of its land and sea by 2030.
Meanwhile, the partnership between the regional government, the Océano Azul Foundation and the Waitt Institute was renewed last February with the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding, which establishes that more than 10 million euros will be allocated to the RAMPA project over the next five years to ensure its successful implementation.
This funding will be used for the management and implementation strategy of the network of marine protected areas, for monitoring and for support for the restructuring of the fisheries sector, the three partner organisations said in a joint statement.
The partnership has a new technical partner, Blue Nature Alliance, which will provide technical and financial support throughout the project. This new phase of the partnership follows the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding and the legislative approval of the new network of Marine Protected Areas last October.
The creation of marine protected areas and the ban on deep-sea mining in the Azores are complementary measures to conserve marine ecosystems. By establishing large protected areas and banning mining, the Azores are ensuring the preservation of unique habitats and marine biodiversity. These initiatives reflect a strong commitment to environmental sustainability and marine protection, setting an example for other regions and contributing to global conservation goals.
