The Azores lead the way in protecting the North Atlantic Ocean with bold marine conservation efforts

In a groundbreaking move, the Azores, a Portuguese archipelago of nine volcanic islands, has introduced ambitious new legislation to establish the largest network of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the North Atlantic Ocean. This initiative is a critical step toward preserving the region’s extraordinary marine biodiversity and setting an example for global ocean conservation efforts.

A haven for marine life

The waters surrounding the Azores are a vibrant hotspot of marine biodiversity. From majestic whales and sharks to deep-sea corals and rare hydrothermal vent ecosystems, this region teems with life. These islands, scattered across an area of about 1,000,000 square kilometers—representing 55% of Portugal’s waters and 15% of all European seas—serve as a crucial habitat for countless marine species.

“The Azores are home to a third of the world’s whale and dolphin species, 600 types of fish, and five kinds of sea turtles,” says Bernardo Brito E Abreu, an ocean conservation leader and Advisor to the President of the Azores on Sea Affairs and Fisheries. “This includes one of the North Atlantic’s largest populations of sperm whales, threatened long-finned pilot whales, and species like blue whales and loggerhead turtles that use these waters as key migratory corridors.”

Beneath the waves, the underwater mountains, or seamounts, are vital ecosystems. These cold-water coral and sponge fields are breeding and feeding grounds for deep-sea sharks and commercially important fish species. Protecting this marine life means not just preserving biodiversity but also securing the future of the ocean as a resource for generations to come.

A bold conservation blueprint

Under the new plan, the Azores will protect 30% of the waters surrounding the archipelago, an area spanning 287,000 square kilometers. Of this, half will be designated as fully protected zones, where no fishing or extraction of natural resources is permitted. The other half will be highly protected, ensuring strict conservation measures. This visionary blueprint provides a vital model for global efforts to reverse ocean biodiversity loss and meet the ambitious “30×30” goal: protecting 30% of the world’s oceans and lands by 2030.

“This decision sets a powerful precedent for global biodiversity talks,” notes Brito E Abreu, referring to the upcoming UN Biodiversity Conference (CBD COP16). “With less than 3% of the world’s oceans currently protected, the Azores are showing how we can meet the urgent 2030 deadline. It’s an example that other nations can follow.”

A win for the planet, people, and the economy

Marine protection doesn’t just benefit wildlife—it also brings wide-reaching advantages for local communities, industries, and even the climate.

“For the Azores, MPAs represent a triple win: they bolster the economy, sustain jobs, and strengthen climate resilience,” says Brito E Abreu.

Protected areas act as nurseries for fish stocks, allowing them to recover and overflow into surrounding fishing zones, boosting the sustainability of local fisheries. For the tourism industry, already a key driver of the Azorean economy, conservation measures will likely increase eco-tourism, which currently draws over 120,000 marine visitors annually. Tourists flock to the Azores to witness iconic species such as sperm whales and manta rays, both of which will thrive in the newly protected waters.

Healthy marine ecosystems also act as a natural shield against climate change. Vibrant underwater habitats are more resilient to warming seas and extreme weather events, offering essential protection for the islands’ coastal communities and infrastructure.

A collaborative effort

This historic achievement was made possible through collaboration between the Regional Government of the Azores, the Oceano Azul Foundation, the Waitt Institute, the University of the Azores, and key stakeholders such as fishers, maritime transport companies, tourism operators, and environmental organizations.

José Manuel Cabral Dias Bolieiro, President of the Regional Government of the Azores, underscores the importance of this initiative. “The ocean isn’t just part of our identity in the Azores—it’s our lifeblood. By creating the largest marine protected area network in the North Atlantic, we’re safeguarding both our marine biodiversity and the livelihoods of our people.”

He continues: “We’ve made this decision not only for the marine life but also to ensure that industries like fishing can continue to thrive long into the future. We’re leading by example, showing the world that economic prosperity and environmental protection go hand in hand.”

A model for global action

The Azores’ leadership in ocean conservation comes at a pivotal time for the planet. With marine ecosystems under increasing threat from overfishing, climate change, and pollution, the Azores’ MPA network offers a beacon of hope for the future of our oceans.

The initiative not only benefits Europe but has far-reaching implications for North America, North Africa, and the global community. It stands as a practical and inspiring example of how bold action and collaborative effort can secure a healthier, more sustainable future for both people and the planet.