The Oceano Azul Foundation, the Lisbon Oceanarium and the Marine Science Centre, supported by the ICNF, AMN and the municipalities of Albufeira, Lagoa, Portimão and Silves, will launch a unique multidisciplinary scientific expedition in early October, dedicated to monitoring and managing the Algarve Reef Marine Nature Reserve - Pedra do Valado.
Pedra do Valado, located between Albufeira Marina and Alfanzina Lighthouse, is one of the largest coastal reefs in Portugal, with over 1,000 species already documented. The area is used for essential activities such as artisanal and recreational fishing, as well as boosting maritime tourism. It is estimated to support more than 1,600 direct jobs, with an economic impact of over 48 million euros per year.
Since 2018, CCMAR, the Oceano Azul Foundation, ICNF and the municipalities of Albufeira, Lagoa and Silves have been leading the process of creating the protected area, promoting the collection of scientific information and the active participation of fishermen, local authorities, local associations and citizens. For the first time in the country, a marine protected area has been built based on a collaborative management model that integrates users, managers and the community.
Officially designated as a natural marine park in January 2024, this area now sees everyone's commitment reinforced. "We want to emphasise that the Marine Natural Park should not just exist on paper, but that it should function, generate knowledge, protect biodiversity and ensure the future of local communities. Community involvement and scientific excellence are the basis of this mission," says Diana Vieira, head of the Algarve Reef Campaign and Project Manager at the Oceano Azul Foundation.
From 28 September to 1 October, the Oceano Azul Foundation will coordinate outreach and ocean literacy activities, including volunteering and open conversations about science and conservation (Ocean Talks), in a comprehensive programme open to schools and the local community.
From 2 to 8 October, the first major scientific monitoring campaign of the Natural Park will take place, coordinated by CCMAR aboard the ship Santa Maria Manuela. This expedition continues the work carried out over the last few years and has two main objectives: to generate up-to-date information to guide the next steps in conservation and to provide the community with an efficient and concerted management plan.
The mission involves a multidisciplinary team of researchers, experts in marine ecology, fisheries, biodiversity, oceanography, marine technology, and ocean literacy. Planned activities include mapping priority habitats such as gorgonians, seagrass beds, coral gardens and maerl beds, environmental monitoring using underwater cameras, eDNA, acoustics, bird and marine mammal observation, and the use of innovative technological platforms such as ROVs, AUVs, drones and scientific diving.
The data collected will directly support the development of the Park's management plan, assess changes in biodiversity and human uses one year after its creation, and consolidate the pioneering community management model in Portugal (AMPIC).
"CCMAR will mobilise researchers from various fields to collect essential data that will enable the current state of the ecosystem to be assessed and, at the same time, guide the management measures to be implemented, so that this marine area is truly and effectively protected," shares Jorge Gonçalves, a researcher at CCMAR.
This expedition also has the potential to inspire other marine parks in the country and contribute to strategic goals such as ‘30x30’ (protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030), the National Strategy for the Sea and the European Marine Strategy Directive.
Pedra do Valado, a unique marine biodiversity hotspot, is once again at the centre of a mission that combines science, management and community in the ongoing monitoring and protection of the ocean.
