Azores’ groundbreaking marine protection network faces threat from proposed tuna fishing changes

The Azores archipelago has emerged as a global ocean conservation leader, establishing the largest network of marine protected areas (MPAs) in the North Atlantic by the end of 2024. This Portuguese island chain has safeguarded an impressive 30% of its surrounding waters—an area more than three times the size of mainland Portugal—achieving this milestone years ahead of the international goal to protect 30% of global oceans by 2030.

What makes the Azores’ achievement particularly remarkable is that half of this protected network maintains full protection status, completely banning extractive and damaging activities. This far surpasses the European Union’s requirement to fully protect just 10% of regional waters. The success has garnered international acclaim, with other countries and regions seeking guidance from the Azores on replicating their conservation model.

However, this environmental victory now faces a significant challenge. In early 2025, a controversial proposal was submitted to the Regional Assembly that would permit pole-and-line tuna fishing within designated no-take zones. Conservation experts warn that approving this measure could transform these pristine protected areas into ineffective “paper parks,” undermining their conservation purpose and violating strict protection standards established by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

The proposal represents a critical test for the Azores at a time when major global powers are stepping back from environmental commitments. The outcome will determine whether this beacon of ocean conservation maintains its leadership position or joins the troubling trend of weakening environmental protections.