Marine Protected Areas | - CCMAR -

Marine Protected Areas

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are geographically delimited marine areas managed by specific legislation. They are created for the protection, conservation, and management of marine biodiversity, habitats, and ecosystems.

The development of MPAs is important to regulate and condition human activities that have a negative impact on protected areas. These areas have several advantages such as the conservation of species, particularly endangered species, protection of habitats and support in the recovery of biodiversity or reduction of the impact of fisheries.

At CCMAR we develop several research works regarding MPAs, such as: 

  • Participation in national and international partnerships for the promotion and implementation of Marine Protected Areas in Portugal;
  • Development of scientific studies with national and international partners, which we deliver to national and regional governments to support their decision regarding the creation and management of MPAs in mainland Portugal;
  • Promote initiatives for stakeholder engagement, including the production of communication materials;
  • Participation in research teams and working groups to provide support to policymakers, in the process of developing regional legislation on these areas;
  • Development of work with MPAs such as the Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina Natural Park through the MARSW project, the Marine Protected Area of Community Interest in the Algarve (AMPIC), the Professor Luiz Saldanha Marine Park and MPA management systems.