Geocatalogue WebSIG

History

The marine area of the “Sudoeste Alentejano” and “Vicentina” Coast Natural Park, where the MARSW project is being developed, is legally protected by the following initiatives:

“Sudoeste Alentejano” and “Vicentina” Coast Natural Park

Since 1995, the creation of the “Sudoeste Alentejano” and “Vicentina” Coast Natural Park (a marine area with 28 858 ha).

1995

Site of Community Importance of the Southwest Coast

Since 1997, the establishment of the Site of Community Importance of the Southwest Coast (a marine area that, since 2019, includes 163 870 ha which the PNSACV marine area is mostly coincident with), under the Habitats Directive.

1997

Southwest Coast Special Protection Area

Since 1999, the establishment of the Special Protection Area of the Southwest Coast (a marine protected area that, since 2015, includes 52 759 ha, which the marine area of the PNSACV is mostly coincident with), under the Birds Directive.

1999

PNSACV Management Plan

In the last review of the PNSACV Management Plan, carried out in 2011, special protection marine areas were created, where fishing is totally or partially prohibited, and other human activities conditioned. In the remaining oceanic area of this park, of complementary protection, regulations on several human activities were also established by the PNSACV Management Plan. However, fishing is regularly exercised and intense in some periods and places.

2011

OSPAR Network

Since 2015, the PNSACV marine area has also been integrated into the OSPAR network (a convention of 15 European countries that aims to protect the marine environment of the Northeast Atlantic).

2015