Reserva Natural Marinha do Campo Hidrotermal Menez Gwen

This site is part of the Azores Marine Protected Area Network (RAMPA). The classification of the Marine Natural Reserve of the Menez Gwen Hydrothermal Field is based on the unique characteristics of its habitats, its importance for biological productivity, the geological and natural values present, and the area’s significance for protected species, habitats, and ecosystems. One of the primary goals of the protection is to enhance scientific knowledge related to processes that regulate the functioning of deep hydrothermal vents.

Species of Concern: Velvet Belly Lanternshark (Deania profundorum), Black Cardinalfish (Epigonus telescopus), Smalleye Codling (Lepidion schmidti), Common Mora (Mora moro), Parasitic Eel (Simenchelys parasitica), Kaup’s Arrowtooth Eel (Synaphobranchus kaupi), Spiny Scorpionfish (Trachyscorpia cristulata echinata), Hydrothermal Vent Shrimp (Mirocaris fortunata), Bathymodiolus Mussel (Bathymodiolus azoricus), Deep-Sea Barnacle (Poecilasma aurantia), Pontocyprid Ostracod (Pontocypris sp.), Stalked Barnacle (Poecilasma crassa)

Restrictions

In oceanic marine protected areas classified as marine natural reserves, the following uses and activities are prohibited:
1. All commercial fishing activities, specifically those employing the following fishing gear:
1.1 Surface longlines;
1.2 Bottom longlines;
1.3 Drifting longlines for black swordfish;
1.4 Gillnets;
1.5 Purse seines and lift nets, including for the capture of live bait;
1.6 Traps;
1.7 Handlines, including trolling, jigging, and fishing rods. 2. Recreational fishing, including leisure fishing, sport fishing, tourist fishing, and spearfishing. 3. Recreational, tourism, and sports activities related to fishing tourism. 4. Infrastructure: 4.1 Renewable energy installations; 4.2 Submarine pipelines and outfalls; 4.3 Multi-use platforms and floating structures not covered under conditional use regulations; 4.4 The sinking of ships and other structures. 5. Geological carbon storage. 6. Aquaculture and similar activities: 6.1 Aquaculture; 6.2 Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs). 7. Mining, gas, or oil exploration: 7.1 Extraction of metallic mineral resources; 7.2 Extraction of non-metallic mineral resources; 7.3 Extraction of fossil energy resources; 7.4 Prospecting for mineral and petroleum resources. 8. Disposal of dredged material. 9. Transportation of hazardous materials. 10. Bottom trawling or dredging conducted on the seabed is a prohibited activity, in accordance with current national and European legislation.

In addition to the provisions of Article 76, the following uses and activities are prohibited in the Marine Natural Reserve of the Menez Gwen Hydrothermal Field:
1. Exploration and exploitation of resources involving invasive techniques on the seabed and associated ecosystems, including geothermal energy and biotechnological activities;
2. Deposition of any materials impacting the underwater landscape and the functioning of benthic ecosystems;
3. Use of any weapons, toxic or polluting substances, or explosives that may cause harm or disturbance to species present;
4. Introduction of noise in the air or underwater that could disturb marine bird populations or cetaceans;
5. Any activities that disrupt the natural balance.

Allowed

In oceanic marine protected areas classified as marine natural reserves, the following uses and activities are conditioned and subject to authorization, as well as compliance with the terms and conditions of said authorization:
1. Recreational, tourism, and sports activities:
1.1 Recreational and sports activities, motorized and non-motorized;
1.2 Submersible tours;
1.3 Diving;
1.4 Snorkeling;
1.5 Maritime-tourism trips;
1.6 Megafauna observation;
1.7 Mooring buoys;
1.8 Other tourism, recreational, and/or sports activities. 2. Infrastructure: 2.1 Floating structures for monitoring;
2.2 Recreational floating structures for bathing;
2.3 Other structures. 3. Scientific research and bioprospecting: 3.1 Extractive; 3.2 Non-extractive. 4. Bioprospecting within the scope of marine biotechnology. 5. Anchoring.

Additionally, the following uses and activities are conditioned and subject to authorization by the RAMPA Management Authority:
1. Environmental monitoring, including the capture of specimens;
2. Collection of biological and geological samples;
3. Filming for commercial or advertising purposes.