Publico and local outlets say controversy over whether tuna fishing should be allowed inside newly established marine protected areas (MPAs) in the Azores has reached the regional parliament, after objections since 2025. The dispute centres on balancing conservation goals with local fishing livelihoods; a new Azores marine protected area was formalised this year but rules on tuna access remain disputed. For expats in the islands, potential restrictions could affect local seafood availability and fisheries-related jobs; the Portuguese term used is marine protected areas (áreas marinhas protegidas or AMP).
Tuna fishing in Azores protected zones sparks debate
Sunday, 11 January 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
A marine protected area (área marinha protegida) is a designated sea zone where human activity is limited to conserve ecosystems, species and habitats, and rules can range from restrictions on certain fishing methods to full no-take zones. In the Azores and other Portuguese waters, these protections can restrict commercial and recreational fishing and are often controversial because they balance biodiversity goals with local fishing livelihoods, which is why disputes over tuna fishing arise. Enforcement and specific rules vary by region and are managed by national and regional maritime and environmental authorities.
