Azores Ocean ship carries out first scientific mission

The Azores Ocean research vessel completed its first scientific mission as part of the AMPO2026 oceanographic campaign, focusing on the ecosystems of the Azores archipelago. The mission aimed to gather data on deep-sea habitats and establish reference points for future monitoring of protected marine areas. Regional Secretary for the Sea and Fisheries, Mário Rui Pinho, emphasized the importance of this mission for enhancing scientific research and improving information on marine ecosystems. The campaign will continue with a second operational phase, including bathymetric and geophysical surveys, funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan, representing a significant investment in marine research capabilities.