Portugal establishes largest fully protected marine reserve in Europe

The Portuguese government has expanded a marine protected area (MPA) around the Selvagens Islands, creating the largest fully protected marine reserve in Europe at 2,677 square kilometres.

The expansion to the MPA around the small archipelago, located midway between Madeira and the Canary Islands, follows the findings of an expedition by National Geographic Pristine Seas in 2015 in partnership with the Oceano Azul and the Waitt Foundation.

Using high-tech equipment including midwater pelagic cameras and drop cams, the expedition team assessed pelagic communities and deep-sea habitats in addition to the shallow flora and fauna observed during dives. The observations made found that open waters around the islands were a vital waypoint for migrating fish and mammals in the Atlantic while the nearshore waters provided important nursery habitats.

“We know it is critical to protect the migratory corridors marine life depends on. This newly established marine reserve will ensure the Selvagens archipelago’s impressive underwater biodiversity will be protected and continue to thrive,” says Paul Rose, expedition leader for National Geographic Pristine Seas.

Miguel Albuquerque, president of the regional government of Madeira, comments: “Madeira has been a world reference in terms of Nature Conservation policies, this aspect being further strengthened with this measure. Giving this example of capacity and determination to the world, he hopes to serve as an inspiration for other decision-makers to take similar measures, towards the preservation of our oceans.”

National Geographic’s Pristine Seas project has supported the creation of 25 marine reserves around the world. Currently, less than eight per cent of the ocean is protected but the project hopes to increase this to 30 per cent by 2030 by working with local communities, governments and partners.

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