February 17, 2026
The Azores Marine Park: a blueprint for Europe’s ocean ambition
At a time when global powers are stepping back from environmental commitments, the Azores have chosen a different path. An autonomous region of Portugal, this archipelago of nine volcanic islands in the middle of the North Atlantic has taken a bold step and set a standard that other European countries could do well to follow.
Created in 2024, the Azores Marine Park has become the largest Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the North Atlantic. Covering 30% of Azorean waters, which themselves make up 55% of Portugal’s seas and around 15% of Europe’s (Blue Azores). The Park represents a massive commitment to preserving one of the continent’s most ecologically important regions.
Half of this network is now fully protected as with true no-take zones, areas where no extractive activities such as fishing, mining, or other resource removal are allowed. This approach not only effectively protects habitats and species but also gives them a chance to recover.

© OCEANA / Ángeles Sáez
Better protection of Europe’s waters
Marine Protected Areas are among the most powerful tools available to reverse ocean degradation. When areas are fully protected from extractive use, they become sanctuaries where marine life can rebound, ecosystems can regenerate, and biodiversity can flourish.
These measures are beneficial for fisheries long term as they are shown to improve the abundance of fish and invertebrates, spilling over into adjacent areas. This results in increased catch sizes and profits for local fishers (Mongabay).

© Pexels / Ruben Galante
This is exactly the type of action needed in European waters, and as Spain just endorsed it’s a 10% target of its waters under strict protection, it should consider also shielding these marine areas of high ecological value from the impacts of extractive activities such as fishing and mining. The Spanish government should look across the water to the Azores where clear, sciencedriven protections have established a practical framework for other EU nations to follow. This is particularly relevant as The Azores is part of the Macaronesia region, composed of four volcanic archipelagos in the North Atlantic Ocean, together with Madeira, Cape Verde and the Canary Islands! Spain and Portugal share a common heritage in this unique biodiverse marine region of the Atlantic.
Oceana’s campaigns for ocean protection based on scientific evidence to widen the protection of Europe’s waters through the designation of new MPAs, including no-take zones, and other spatial protection tools such as Fisheries Restricted Areas, Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems closures, or preferential access areas in coastal waters.
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