Four-week science expedition to map Madeira's seas begins

National and international scientists are conducting a four-week expedition in the waters around Madeira, the Desertas Islands and Porto Santo, running from Friday to 28 October aboard the former cod-fishing vessel Santa Maria Manuela and other research platforms. Organised by the regional government alongside institutions including the Fundação Oceano Azul and National Geographic's Pristine Seas programme, the expedition aims to map poorly studied ecosystems, assess existing marine protected areas and identify new zones worth protecting. Results will feed into policy decisions on expanding Madeira's protected marine network, with preliminary findings presented at a closing event in Funchal. A second phase exploring deep-sea areas is planned for May next year.