By allowing commercial tuna fishing in the protected marine area of the Selvagens das Selvagens Islands Natural Reserve, the largest European marine reserve since 2022, the Regional Government of Madeira calls into question the commitment that has been made over the years to protect this marine sanctuary.
This decision conflicts with the global objective of protecting 30% of the oceans by 2030, which led around 300 researchers from around the world to sign a letter in the journal Nature asking Madeira authorities to “honor their commitments” regarding to the protected marine area of the Selvagens Islands Natural Reserve. Several CESAM researchers signed this letter in Nature, which was highlighted in a well-known media outlet.
See the letter in Nature magazine here.