Blue Azores

Blue Azores is a marine conservation and blue economy programme launched in 2019 through a partnership between the Regional Government of the Azores, the Oceano Azul Foundation and the Waitt Institute. United by a shared vision to protect, promote and value the marine natural capital of the Azores, the programme works to guarantee a healthy ocean as the foundation for a prosperous and sustainable blue economy in the archipelago. Over the past six years, Blue Azores has driven a highly participatory, science-based process bringing together scientists, the fishing sector, local communities and civil society organisations. This co-creation approach culminated in the approval of the Azores Marine Protected Areas Network (RAMPA), the largest network of its kind in the North Atlantic, covering 287,000 km² of ocean. The network came into force on 1 January 2026, delivering effective protection to 30% of the Azores Sea through two levels of protection: full protection, banning extractive or destructive activities in areas of high ecological vulnerability, and high protection, allowing regulated low-impact fishing. The programme's main objectives include protecting 30% of the Azores Sea, reviewing and integrating coastal marine protected areas into the network, ensuring the financial sustainability and effective management of the Azores Marine Park, and supporting the restructuring of the fisheries sector. A recent Memorandum of Understanding between the Regional Government, the Oceano Azul Foundation and the Waitt Institute formalised over 10 million euros in support for implementation. The Blue Azores team brings together specialists in marine ecology, maritime spatial planning, protected area management and communication, all united by a passion for the sea of the Azores. The programme serves as an international model for marine leadership, safeguarding sharks, whales, deep-water corals and unique hydrothermal vent ecosystems for future generations.