11-03-2026
Researchers from the MARE - Centre for Marine and Environmental Sciences at NOVA FCT are participating in the scientific studies that will support the creation of the Cascais-Mafra-Sintra Community Interest Marine Protected Area (AMPIC), an initiative involving the three municipalities, the Blue Ocean Foundation, and various national scientific institutions.
The protocol marking the start of these studies was signed on March 4 in Ericeira, bringing together representatives from the Government, local authorities, and involved scientific entities. Financed by the Environmental Fund, the studies will provide the scientific foundation needed to support the proposal for establishing this new marine protected area along the coast north of Lisbon.
NOVA FCT Science in Service of Marine Conservation
NOVA FCT's participation occurs through MARE-NOVA, a research unit dedicated to studying marine ecosystems and sustainable ocean management.
For José Carlos Ferreira, MARE researcher and Professor at the Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering (DCEA) at NOVA FCT, the project represents a significant scientific opportunity due to its interdisciplinary nature: “The creation of a Community Initiative Marine Protected Area involving the municipalities of Cascais, Mafra, and Sintra constitutes a relevant scientific opportunity for MARE-NOVA, as it is a cross-cutting project that integrates various dimensions of research in marine sciences, coastal ecology, environmental governance, and territorial planning.”
Scientific Characterization of Marine Ecosystems
The scientific work will deepen knowledge about marine habitats and species along the coast between Cascais, Mafra, and Sintra, contributing to identifying priority areas for conservation and supporting the design of the future protected area.
Gonçalo Silva, also a MARE researcher and DCEA Professor, is responsible for one of the components dedicated to characterizing habitats and marine communities, using BRUVs (Baited Remote Underwater Video - baited cameras). According to the researcher, these devices will be placed “throughout the distribution area of the three municipalities, up to 100 meters deep,” allowing “characterization not only of habitats but also of fish and macrofauna communities.” His team is now “beginning to prepare the campaign, which should take place mainly during the summer, when sea conditions are more favorable for this type of work.”
Scientific Knowledge to Support Ocean Management
The studies will consolidate scientific knowledge about the marine ecosystems in this coastal region and contribute to evidence-based conservation decisions, building on the research initiated during the Oceano Azul Cascais-Mafra-Sintra scientific expedition conducted in 2022, which collected detailed data on marine biodiversity in this area.
MARE-NOVA's participation in this project reinforces NOVA FCT's role in producing applied scientific knowledge for marine biodiversity conservation and the sustainable management of coastal and oceanic ecosystems.
