LEGISLATIVE PROPOSAL (RAMPA)

64 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 there are 50 MPAs in the Azores Sea, 15 oceanic (Azores Marine Park) and 35 coastal (Island Natural Parks).

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REVIEW OF THE AZORES MARINE PARK
THE PROPOSAL

In 2023, the Regional Government committed to reviewing the oceanic Marine Protected Areas, in order to protect 30% of the Azores Sea. This revision materializes in the 2nd amendment to the diploma of the Azores Marine Park.

This proposal had a solid scientific foundation and a participatory process that included representatives from various sectors of activities related to the sea. The new Azores Marine Park will include oceanic MPAs that will protect 30% of the Azores Sea, half of which will be completely prohibited from any extractive activity.

The existing coastal MPAs remain in the current legal framework of the Island Natural Parks. The proposal also provides the legal framework for the management of the new network, namely its Management Strategy and its Action Plan.

The revision of the Marine Park increases the number of oceanic MPAs from 15 to 29, located in the EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone) and the PCE (Extended Continental Shelf):

23 MPAs within the EEZ
6 MPAs on PCE

498,000 Km² protected in the EEZ PCE
287,000 Km² in the EEZ

The revised Azores Marine Park will protect 30% of the EEZ:

with 16% of total protection areas, without extractive activities (9 areas).

with 14% of high protection areas (14 areas).

RAMPA PROTECTION LEVELS

Oceanic MPAs within the EEZ will have two levels of protection:

Full Protection: extractive or destructive activities are prohibited, aiming to minimize all pressures on the ecosystem. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classification (category I), these MPAs are designated marine nature reserves.

The new RAMPA will fully protect important seamounts, including Princess Alice, D. João de Castro, as Formigas and Condor.

High Protection: Only low-impact extractive activities are permitted, subject to specific conditions, such as very specific and minimal impact fishing activities, scientific research, educational, cultural, recreational, tourist, or other activities. These activities, also of minimal impact, are subject to strict preservation and sustainability conditions for the natural values present, in accordance with the IUCN classification (Category IV) for a Marine Protected Area dedicated to the management of habitats and species.

THE AZORES MARINE PROTECTED AREAS NETWORK INCLUDES

Azores Marine Park (PMA):

all oceanic MPAs of the EEZ and continental shelf.

9 Island Natural Parks (PNI):

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) which identifies the priority areas for conservation while minimizing impacts on fishing effort.

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 the data and these contributions, criteria were defined for the selection of potential sites for MPAs, resulting in a final proposal that integrates not only scientific advice, but also reflects international best practices.

In short, the decision-making process resulted from the best scientific knowledge available in the region and the active and informed participation of users of the Azores Sea, ensuring the maximization of conservation objectives and minimizing the impact on professional fishing activity.

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RAMPA DESIGNATION & IMPLEMENTATION

In addition to the proposal identification of each MPA’s contribution to the network's conservation objectives, this diploma is crucial to ensure that MPAs do not remain "just on paper." This legal instrument defines the deadlines for its implementation and effective management. It proposes to classify MPAs and identify future measures for their planning and management, transitional measures and restructuring of the fisheries sector, essential for their valorization.

It is imperative to approve the designation of RAMPA to enable its implementation by 2030.

After the approval of this legislative proposal, a period of 24 months will begin to define the network management strategy (EGRAMPA) and the planning and management instruments of marine protected areas (IOGAMP). During this period, a new inspection and monitoring system will also be integrated, as well as an updated administrative offence system.

Additional measures will be implemented for the restructuring of the fisheries sector, including compensations necessary to effectively deliver on the vision agreed by all those involved in the process.

This proposal establishes the principle of sustainability and adaptive management of MPAs, ensuring that they are created and monitored to achieve and continuously improve their objectives. Management measures will be reviewed on the basis of new scientific knowledge and monitoring data. A collaborative and inclusive approach is critical to the long-term success of MPAs in protecting and restoring marine ecosystems.

IMPORTANT STEPS

December 2021 to June 2023:
The Oceanic Participatory Process took place.
January 30, 2023:
Start of the Coastal Participatory Process.
April 3, 2023:
Creation of the Interdepartmental Commission for the Azores Sea.
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 face-to-face clarification sessions were held in Faial, Terceira and São Miguel that mobilized more than 120 participants.
- See Public Consultation Page (PT)
- Read the Ponderation Report (PT)
October 11 to November 17, 2023
Two petitions were submitted to the Legislative Assembly of the Azores (ALRRA):
“Marine Protected Areas of the Azores - Urgent Implementation” with 3,387 signatures. (See Petition)
“Protection of the Azores Sea through Marine Protected Areas (MPA), demanding more time for analysis and evaluation of the socioeconomic impact of the RAMPA proposal” with 1,765 signatures. (See Petition)
October 16, 2023
Appreciation by the Audience of the Regional Council for the Environment and Sustainable Development (CRADS), with a favorable opinion on the proposed legislation.
April 16 to July 5, 2024
Three hearings were held by the Committee on Parliamentary Affairs, Environment, and Sustainable Development (CAPADS) regarding the two petitions submitted to the Legislative Assembly of the Azores (ALRAA) concerning RAMPA in 2023.

- 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.

- Written opinions were collected from environmental associations and maritime tourism operators in the Azores.

- The opinion of the Committee on Parliamentary Affairs, Environment, and Sustainable Development (CAPADS) was made public.
June 12, 2024
Approval of the draft diploma by the Council of the Government.
June 14, 2024
Delivery of the draft diploma to the Regional Assembly (ALRAA).
July 30, 2024
Hearing of the Commission for Parliamentary Affairs, Environment, and Sustainable Development (CAPADS) on the RAMPA Proposal.
October 17, 2024
Discussion and approval of RAMPA proposal at the Regional Assembly (ALRAA).