APPROVED LEGISLATION (RAMPA)
63 MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
The sea of the Azores archipelago is located in the extreme western end of Europe. The sea adjacent to this archipelago represents 56% of the Portuguese Sea, with approximately 1 million square kilometers.
Currently, the Azores' sea hosts 63 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs):
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29 Oceanic MPAs (Azores Marine Park);
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34 Coastal MPAs (Island Natural Parks).
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REVIEW OF THE AZORES MARINE PARK
THE PROPOSAL
In 2021, the Regional Government committed to revising the Oceanic MPAs to protect 30% of the Azores' sea. This revision is formalized in the second amendment to the Azores Marine Park legislation (Regional Legislative Decree No. 14/2024/A).
This legislation is backed by robust scientific evidence and a participatory process that involved representatives from various marine-related sectors. The new Azores Marine Park includes Oceanic MPAs that safeguard 30% of the Azores' sea, with half of this area completely closed to any extractive activities.
The existing Coastal MPAs remain under the current legal framework of the Island Natural Parks, with their review planned within a maximum period of three years after the legislation comes into effect.
The legislation also establishes the legal framework for managing the new network, including its Management Strategy (EGRAMPA) and corresponding Action Program.
The revision of the Marine Park increased the number of Oceanic MPAs from 15 to 29, located in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the Extended Continental Shelf (ECS), protecting 498.000 km² of ocean:
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23 MPAs within the EEZ, protecting 287,000 km²;
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6 MPAs on the ECS, protecting 211,000 km².
The revised Azores Marine Park protects 30% of the EEZ:
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9 Fully Protected MPAs, without extractive activities.
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14 Highly Protected MPAs, where low-impact extractive activities are allowed under regulated conditions.
RAMPA PROTECTION LEVELS
The Oceanic MPAs, within the EEZ, have two levels of protection:
Full Protection: Any extractive, destructive, or incompatible activities are not allowed, aiming to minimize all pressures on the ecosystem. Scientific research and bioprospecting may be allowed, as well as certain non-extractive activities such as educational, cultural, recreational, and tourism-related activities, or others that, as a whole, have minimal impact and are subject to strict conditions for preserving and ensuring the sustainability of the natural values present.
According to the IUCN classification (Category I), these MPAs are designated as marine nature reserves.
The new Azores Marine Protected Areas Network (RAMPA) fully protects important seamounts, including Princess Alice, D. João de Castro, as Formigas and Condor.
High Protection: Extractive activities of low impact may only be allowed, such as very specific fishing activities, scientific research, educational, cultural, recreational, tourism activities, or other activities with equally minimal impact, subject to strict conditions for the preservation and sustainability of the natural values present.
According to the IUCN classification (Category IV), these areas are designated as MPAs for habitat and species management.
THE AZORES MARINE PROTECTED AREAS NETWORK INCLUDES
Azores Marine Park (PMA):
includes all the Oceanic MPAs of the EEZ and PCE.
9 Island Natural Parks (PNI):
includes the Coastal MPAs.
METHODOLOGY APPLIED
IN THE CREATION OF RAMPA
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Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are essential for the conservation and recovery of marine ecosystems and biodiversity, and are established through a methodological process. The first step was defining the scientific conservation objectives. Then, several decades of scientific knowledge were compiled, resulting in the report "Systematic conservation planning scenarios for the deep sea of the Azores" (Blue Paper). This report identified the various scenarios and priority areas for conservation while minimizing the impact on fishing efforts.
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Oceanic Participatory Process: This step was key to considering different perspectives and integrating sectoral knowledge. Thus, more than 40 meetings were organized with representatives from 17 different sectors interested in the oceanic areas of the Azores Sea. These representatives informed of their interests and needs by working collaboratively and transparently on the conservation scenarios indicated by science.
Based on scientific data and these contributions, criteria and objectives were defined for the selection of potential MPAs.
This decision-making process resulted in legislation that incorporates the best available scientific knowledge in the region and the active, informed participation of marine users in the Azores. It reflects international best practices, ensuring the maximization of conservation objectives while minimizing the impact on professional fishing activities.
RAMPA DESIGNATION & IMPLEMENTATION
To ensure effective protection of natural values, it is essential that MPAs are legally established, securing their implementation, and the delivery of tangible benefits for ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.
RAMPA, approved in October 2024, establishes the legal framework required for its progressive implementation by 2030. With its entry into force on 1 January 2026, RAMPA is further supported by:
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A uses and activities regulation;
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A management system;
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An enforcement system;
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A new administrative penalties regime.
A structured planning process was initiated following the legislation’s publication including:
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The RAMPA Management Strategy (EGRAMPA), developed within a 12-month timeframe, sets out guidance for the implementation, financing, management, and long-term monitoring of MPAs.
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The MPA Planning and Management Tools, to be developed within 24 months, will establish specific conservation and monitoring rules and measures for each MPA.
This legislation is essential to ensure that MPAs do not remain “on paper” only. It establishes the legal framework and timelines for the effective implementation and management of RAMPA.
Based on the principles of sustainability and adaptive management, the RAMPA legal framework ensures continuous monitoring and evaluation, promoting the ongoing improvement of its objectives and the benefits generated for marine ecosystems and communities.
Management measures will be reviewed and adjusted based on new scientific knowledge and monitoring data, through a collaborative and inclusive approach that is essential for the long-term success of MPAs in protecting and restoring marine ecosystems.
IMPORTANT STEPS
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December 2021 to June 2023:
Oceanic Participatory Process. -
January 30, 2023:
Beginning of the Coastal Participatory Process. -
April 3, 2023:
Creation of the Interdepartmental Commission for the Azores Sea (CIMA). -
July 10, 2023
Issuance of the favorable opinion of CIMA regarding RAMPA and its system of uses and activities. -
July 24 to September 15, 2023
Public Consultation:
400 public comments
3 in-person clarification sessions were held in Faial, Terceira and São Miguel that mobilized more than 120 participants.
- Public Consultation Page (PT)
- Ponderation Report (PT) -
October 11 to November 17, 2023
Submission of two petitions to Regional Legislative Assembly of the Azores (ALRAA):
“MPAs of the Azores - Urgent Implementation” with 3387 signatures. (See Petition)
“Protection of the Azores Sea through MPAs, demanding more time for analysis and evaluation of the socioeconomic impact of the RAMPA proposal” with 1765 signatures. (See Petition) -
October 16, 2023
Review by the Audience of the Regional Council for the Environment and Sustainable Development (CRADS), with a favorable opinion on the proposed legislation. -
April 1 to July 5, 2024
Three hearings in the Committee on Parliamentary Affairs, Environment, and Sustainable Development (CAPADS) regarding the two petitions submitted to the Regional Legislative Assembly of the Azores.
- In-person hearings were held with representatives from the following entities: Okeanos - Institute for Marine Science Research, Institute for Marine Science Research, AOMA, Azores Recreational Fishing Association, Pão do Mar Association, Azores Fish Traders Association, Azores Fisheries Federation, Oceano Azul Foundation, and the Regional Government of the Azores.
- Collected written opinions from environmental associations and maritime tourism operators in the Azores.
- Publication of the CAPADS opinion. -
June 12, 2024
Approval of the draft diploma by the Government Council. -
June 14, 2024
Delivery of the draft RAMPA decree to the Regional Assembly. -
July 30, 2024
Hearing of the CAPADS on the RAMPA proposal. -
October 17, 2024
Discussion and approval of the RAMPA proposal in the Regional Assembly. -
December 24, 2024
- Publication of the RAMPA decree (Regional Legislative Decree No. 14/2024/A) in Diário da República.
- Beginning of Implementation -
November 13, 2025
- Approval of the RAMPA Management Authority, published in Diário da República on December 15, 2025.
- Approval of the RAMPA Consultative Council, published in Diário da República on December 15, 2025. -
December 2, 2025
- Approval of the RAMPA Management Strategy, published in Jornal Oficial on December 10, 2025.
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