Marine scientists warn 2027 budget cuts threaten Portugal's ocean research and restoration plans

Marine researchers are using National Sea Day to warn that Portugal's ocean ambitions depend on stable science funding. Only about 15% of this year's research project bids were recommended for funding, and the 2027 budget could cut the science foundation's allocation by more than 20% as recovery money ends. Long-term monitoring of coasts and estuaries cannot survive year-to-year financing, and the nature restoration plan, costed at €500 million a year, needs that data to be judged. They call for protected multi-year funding, regular grant calls, secure careers and more ocean literacy.