Portugal Creates New Marine Protected Area Around Gorringe Ridge
Portugal announced on Wednesday the creation of a new protected marine area around the Gorringe Ridge in the Atlantic Ocean, featuring Western Europe’s tallest seamount. This move positions Portugal as a leader in international conservation efforts.
The announcement by Environment Minister Maria da Graca Carvalho coincides with the ongoing U.N. Oceans conference in Nice, France, where countries are working to accelerate actions to preserve marine environments.
With the establishment of the Gorringe marine protected area (MPA), located approximately 200 km off the southern coast of continental Portugal, and two additional smaller areas to be designated, Portugal’s protected marine territory will increase from 19% to at least 27%.
Carvalho expressed pride in Portugal’s progress in marine protection, stating, “In terms of marine protection, we are the most advanced country in the world with our characteristics combining continental and insular territory. Certainly the leader in Europe.”
The creation of more MPAs globally is a focal point of the U.N. conference, particularly in light of efforts to encourage countries to ratify and implement the 2023 High Seas Treaty, aimed at safeguarding biodiversity in international waters. Currently, 51 countries have ratified the treaty, just shy of the 60 needed for it to become legally binding.
Despite global conservation efforts, a report from October revealed that only 8.4% of the world’s marine and coastal areas are protected, falling short of the 30% global goal by 2030.
The formal approval of the MPA around Gorringe Ridge is expected to take place in the coming months through a decree. The total acreage and specific details regarding fully protected areas, where fishing is prohibited, are yet to be determined.
Emanuel Gonçalves, chief scientist at Oceano Azul Foundation, highlighted that the recommended MPA would cover 100,000 square kilometers and play a crucial role in connecting seamounts, abyssal plains, and open ocean. This expansive protected area will serve as a sanctuary for various marine species and habitats, promoting biodiversity and conservation.
Portugal’s commitment to marine conservation was also demonstrated last year when the country established the largest protected area in the North Atlantic, encompassing nearly 300,000 square kilometers around the Azores archipelago, with half of it designated as fully protected.
By taking proactive steps to protect its marine environments, Portugal is setting an example for other nations and contributing to global conservation efforts.
(Reuters)