The Center for Marine Sciences (CCMAR) and the Oceano Azul Foundation announced in a statement that the unique, multidisciplinary scientific expedition is "dedicated to the monitoring and management of the Algarve Reef Marine Natural Park - Pedra do Valado."

According to the statement, from October 2 to 8, "the first major scientific monitoring campaign of the Natural Park" will be carried out, coordinated by CCMAR, aboard the historic Santa Maria Manuela.

"This expedition continues the work carried out over the past few years and has two central objectives: to generate updated information to guide the next steps in conservation and to provide the community with an efficient and coordinated management plan," the statement reads.

Pedra do Valado is located between the Albufeira Marina and the Alfanzina Lighthouse and is considered one of the largest coastal reefs in Portugal, with over 1,000 documented species.

According to the statement, the area is used for essential activities, such as artisanal and recreational fishing, as well as for maritime tourism, and is estimated to support over 1,600 direct jobs, with an economic impact of over €48 million per year.

The Oceano Azul Foundation, the Lisbon Oceanarium, and the Center for Marine Sciences are supported in this expedition by the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF), the National Maritime Authority (AMN), and the municipalities of Albufeira, Lagoa, Portimão, and Silves.

The mission involves a multidisciplinary team of researchers, experts in marine ecology, fisheries, biodiversity, oceanography, marine technology, and ocean literacy, the statement said.

Planned activities include mapping priority habitats such as gorgonians, seagrass meadows, coral gardens, and coral reefs (Maerl), environmental monitoring using underwater cameras, eDNA, acoustics, bird and marine mammal observation, and the use of innovative technological platforms such as ROVs, AUVs, drones, and scientific diving.

According to those responsible for the expedition, the data collected will directly support the development of the park's management plan, assess changes in biodiversity and human use one year after its creation, and consolidate the community-based management model pioneered in Portugal.

"CCMAR will mobilize researchers from various fields to collect essential data that will allow us to assess the current state of the ecosystem and, at the same time, guide the management measures to be implemented, so that this marine area is truly and effectively protected," said Jorge Gonçalves, a CCMAR researcher, quoted in the statement.