In a statement, the Secretaria Regional do Mar e das Pescas argues that the measure would represent a significant setback in the region’s marine conservation commitments and urges a responsible decision that safeguards the Azores’ leadership in ocean protection.


The government stresses that the proposal contradicts existing scientific evidence and undermines international conservation standards. RAMPA was designed according to criteria set by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and aligns with global and national biodiversity strategies, including the legal protection of 30% of national waters, 10% which must be under full protection.


According to the government, the proposed changes would compromise this alignment and could weaken the region’s institutional role in shared ocean governance, with potential legal and political consequences. DECO also notes the constitutional concerns, as the amendment may conflict with the principle of environmental protection enshrined in the Portuguese Constitution.


Economic impacts on the pole and line tuna fleet were evaluated through the MONICAP monitoring system, revealing an estimated 7% impact limited to four fishing banks – Formigas, Princesa Alice, D. João de Castro, and Condor – covering just 1,522km² out of over 160,000 km² of fully protected areas.

RAMPA currently benefits from €10 million in funding via the Blue Azores programme. Its potential downgrade could jeopardize this support, as well as planned financial compensation of €1.5 million for affected operators, with broader consequences for the region’s credibility and economic future.