The waters around the Azores archipelago enclose some of the most important island, open-water and deep-sea natural values in the Atlantic. The Azorean authorities have been pursuing a development model centred on the sustainable uses of those natural resources. Marine protected areas constitute an opportunity to safeguard species and habitats, promote tourism and bring sustainability to small-scale and open-water fisheries.
The aim of the Blue Azores project, is to set a process to establish a network of ecologically coherent and effective MPAs in Azorean waters and promote blue literacy and sustainable marine uses. A network of partners will be mobilized to collaborate in the implementation of this project: NGOs, research institutions, government, fisheries associations, foundations. Scientific expeditions and a strong media component are part of this project, as well as workshops with national and international institutions to help set the scene, gather information, and build and implement the project. Documentaries will be made aiming at showing to the general public the amazing natural values of this region and the main threats posed to them, and increase awareness and support for the establishment of MPAs and support to sustainable fisheries initiatives.
The Oceano Azul Foundation and the Waitt Foundation are funding this project and invite others to join this effort so that the Azores can become a worldwide success case for conservation and sustainable use of the ocean.
The relatively healthy Azorean marine environment, geographically distant from significant pollution sources and with limited coastal construction, is a significant strength for the establishment of MPAs. Another major advantage is the existence of a legislative process that established the Azorean Network of Protected Areas. The fact that only 1.1% of the Azorean waters are protected also constitutes an opportunity for action. Effective marine conservation is currently weakened by shortcomings in the design of MPAs in coastal and shallow water sea mounts, as they lack the appropriate scientific basis. Moreover, current no-take areas are unlikely to achieve significant conservation goals because they are small and limited in number. The Azorean government is however committed to increase the level of protection in the region and this project aims at achieve that goal.
Progress reports
By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans
Type of commitment
- Community or Locally Managed Marine Areas
- Large Marine Ecosystem approach
By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans, in order to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible, at least to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield as determined by their biological characteristics
Type of commitment
- Ecosystem approach to fisheries (EAF)
- Market-based instruments (Individually Traded Quotas, Vessel Day Schemes, etc.)
By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information
Type of commitment
- No take marine protected area
- Marine protected area with partial protection
- Multiple use marine protected area
- Locally or community managed marine areas
December 2018
Portugal
