A reef in the Bay of Armação de Pêra is a special area of biodiversity and a project, based on a study by the University of Algarve, aims to have this natural area classified and protected.
Backing up the proposal is Silves Council, the Blue Ocean Foundation, the University of the Algarve’s Centre for Marine Sciences (CCMAR), the Fishermen's Association of Armação de Pêra and the Armação de Pêra Parish Council, all of which want the sea area to be officially designated as a Protected Marine Area of Community Interest.
The bay benefits from particular conditions and has the largest rocky reef in Portugal. However, this reef is being affected by human activity which is jeopardising an important ecosystem.
The group want to see a programme of sustainable fishing and tourism, while preserving and protecting the sub-sea area’s biodiversity and ‘natural capital.’
The registration process will begin next year but already a working meeting has been held at which 28 interested parties contributed, including Councils, associations representing fishing activity and maritime tourism activities, government representatives, university experts, State laboratories, non-governmental organisations and even some companies.