Back to blog
Marine Conservation 4 min read
D. Carlos I Marine Nature Reserve: Between Conservation and the Future of Offshore
The proposed D. Carlos I marine reserve, covering roughly 170,000 km², introduces new regulatory constraints for offshore projects.
The proposed D. Carlos I Marine Nature Reserve (RNM) covers around 170,000 km², including areas of the Madeira-Tore complex and the Gorringe Bank, making it one of the largest marine protected areas in Europe. Its purpose is to safeguard vulnerable ecosystems, such as cold-water corals and seamounts, aligning Portugal with the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030.
Impact on Offshore Projects
- New spatial and regulatory constraints for offshore renewable energy projects
- Limits on the installation of submarine cables and support structures
- Stricter environmental assessments for international connection infrastructure, with emphasis on noise and seabed impact
- Projects with robust sustainability criteria may be better positioned in environmental licensing processes
The public consultation took place between January and March 2026, and the reserve's precise boundaries and permitted uses will depend on subsequent regulation, which is expected to be coordinated with the Maritime Spatial Planning Situation Plan (PSOEM).