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August 11, 2025

The journey to protecting Gorringe Bank 

Ormonde *** Local Caption *** Amberjacks school (Seriola rivoliana). Gorringe Bank, Atlantic Ocean. Transoceanic Expedition onboard of Ranger . June 2005 Banco de serviolas (Seriola rivoliana). Gorringe Bank, Océano Atlántico. Expedición Transoceánica a bordo del Ranger. Junio 2005

 

About 250 kilometres southwest of Cape St. Vincent lies a remarkable underwater mountain known as the Gorringe Bank. This seamount rises some 5000 metres from the ocean floor and provides a unique haven for marine life in the North-East Atlantic. 

Oceana’s expeditions  

Between 2005 and 2012, Oceana carried out three research expeditions to the Gorringe Bank. These campaigns documented more than 350 species living in Portuguese waters, including vulnerable deep-sea corals and sponges that are essential for the survival of many other organisms. The area also serves as a critical gathering point for migratory species such as whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and large fish like swordfish. Seabirds such as petrels and shearwaters are also commonly seen here. 

The expeditions uncovered not only the area’s ecological richness but also the threats it faces. Abandoned fishing gear and marine debris were found scattered across the seamount, endangering sensitive habitats. 

The Ranger sailing in the sunset with jib and main sail hoisted. Crossing from Gorringe Bank to Alborán Sea

A conservation milestone in 2015 

After years of research and advocacy, 2015 marked a turning point. Portugal proposed the Gorringe Bank as a Site of Community Interest under the European Union’s Natura 2000 network. This designation, grounded in EU environmental law, was a significant victory for ocean protection. It was also the first time Portugal included an offshore site in its marine conservation efforts under Natura 2000. 

New commitments in 2025 

A decade later, following an expedition by the Oceano Azul Foundation and partners like Oceana in 2024, Portugal made another major commitment. In 2025, the government announced plans to expand the protected area around the Gorringe Bank to cover 100,000 square kilometres in the North-East Atlantic. This move will bring Portugal’s total marine protection coverage to nearly 30 percent and align with global targets. 

Why full protection is essential 

The Gorringe Bank is more than a geological formation. It is a vital habitat that supports entire ecosystems and serves as a refuge and feeding ground for species from across the ocean. Key species like corals and sponges create the foundation for marine life, while larger animals rely on the area during long migrations. 

To safeguard this unique ecosystem, full protection is urgently needed. Preventing further damage from human activities will allow the Gorringe Bank to remain a thriving example of what healthy ocean ecosystems can look like.