D. Carlos Marine Nature Reserve under public consultation

The creation of the D. Carlos Marine Nature Reserve of around 173 thousand km2 (almost twice Portugal’s land area) between Madeira and the Alentejo is under public consultation on the Participa.pt portal until 6 March 2026.

The new marine reserve includes some of the most relevant seamounts and seabanks in the Northeast Atlantic, known for their relevant productivity and importance for vulnerable, migratory, and high ecological value species.

This will be one of the largest protected marine areas in the European Union, making Portugal reach 25% of marine area under its protected jurisdiction. This boosts the national ambition to protect 30% of oceans by 2030, as set in the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework under the Convention on Biological Diversity and the European Union’s Biodiversity Strategy.

The protection and classification of the Gorringe Ridge will also be reinforced as a Special Conservation Zone (whose management plan is now also subject to public consultation), envisaging measures with a view to improving its ecological status and reducing the pressure on marine resources.

The proposed protection scheme safeguards fishing using traditional, highly selective methods with a low environmental impact. They are deeply rooted in history and have a relevant socioeconomic impact and are an opportunity to attract sustainable investments that value science and the marine ecosystems’ services.

The name of the reserve pays tribute to King D. Carlos, founder of oceanography in Portugal, whose pioneering research covered deep seas. From 1896 to 1904 he led twelve scientific journeys that enabled the identification of species, map ocean beds and study ocean currents. His contribution is still a reference for national science. 

This process was based on the nest available knowledge, reflecting the results of multiple national and international ocean research missions under research projects focusing on marine ecosystems involving several public and private institutions as well as universities and research centres.

For public consultation: https://participa.pt/pt/consulta/reserva-natural-marinha-dom-carlos