Autonomous Region of Madeira moves forward with new Marine Protected Areas

The Autonomous Region of Madeira is taking decisive steps to expand and create new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), in a strategy that aims to protect at least 15 per cent of its Exclusive Economic Zone by 2030, in line with international marine conservation commitments.

This initiative was highlighted as part of European Maritime Day and during Madeira Maritime Week, an event that brought together experts from the maritime sector, including representatives from the cruise industry, scientists and government officials. The meeting served to reinforce Madeira’s commitment to the sustainability of its marine resources and the protection of biodiversity.

Among the protected areas are areas in the Selvagens Islands archipelago, already the largest Marine Protected Area in Europe and the North Atlantic, as well as new maritime spaces where important populations of marine mammals have been identified. The region is also investing in scientific projects to monitor underwater habitats, with the support of the Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) and the Madeira Regional Agency for the Development of Research, Technology and Innovation (ARDITI).

However, the regional government recognises the challenges that these measures could bring to the local fishing sector. For this reason, support and compensation measures are being studied to ensure that fishermen are protected from the restrictions imposed by the new protected areas.

This marine conservation policy reinforces Madeira’s position as a pioneering region in the protection of its marine ecosystems, balancing environmental preservation with sustainable economic development.