Oceano Azul Expedition to Gorringe

A Scientific Mission to Protect Europe’s Giant

Gorringe is the highest seamount in Europe, rising from the depths of the Atlantic Ocean around 200 km off the Portuguese coast. With more than 5,000 metres of relief and with its peaks — Ormonde and Gettysburg — lying less than 30 metres below the surface, Gorringe is larger than the Alps. It stretches for more than 200 km in length and 80 km in width and plays a critical ecological role in the Northeast Atlantic.

Discovered in 1875 during a mapping mission led by Henry Gorringe, this giant is a true oceanic stepping stone — a platform of life that connects ecosystems between continents and islands, allowing species to exist on either side of this underwater base.

Formed by the convergence of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates, Gorringe hosts a unique diversity of habitats, ranging from kelp forests to deep reefs and cold-water coral gardens. Recognised for its ecological value, it is part of the Natura 2000 Network and the Madeira–Tore EBSA (Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Area).

The importance of Gorringe

A biodiversity hotspot: it hosts a rich and vibrant marine community, including species typically found in coastal areas, as well as rare and vulnerable species.

A migratory platform: it provides refuge and feeding grounds for migratory species, from seabirds to marine mammals, acting as a vital link between oceanic regions.

An ocean oasis: its biological productivity contributes to the ecological balance of the Atlantic.

An expedition for the protection of the seamount

In September 2024, the Oceano Azul Expedition to Gorringe was the largest scientific mission ever conducted in the region. Led by the Oceano Azul Foundation, in partnership with the Oceanário de Lisboa,ICNF (Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests) and the Portuguese Navy, it brought together a multidisciplinary team of more than 70 participants, four vessels and cutting-edge technology.

Over the course of three weeks, the scientific team explored the Gettysburg and Ormonde peaks, the valley between them, the steep escarpments descending to the abyssal plains, and the surrounding open ocean. The goal was to consolidate scientific knowledge about the biodiversity of the Gorringe Seamount and provide the scientific basis for the creation of a Marine Protected Area with full protection.

Scientific Components

The scientific research was organised across three distinct zones:

Open ocean (up to 30 m depth)

Observation of pelagic species and marine megafauna using deep-water cameras, bioacoustics and visual counts of seabirds and marine mammals.

Summits (30–200 m depth)

Divers and ROVs (remotely operated vehicles) mapped the habitats of the seamount’s peaks, including kelp forests and deep reefs.

Slopes and deep waters (200–5,000 m depth)

Analysis of data from previous missions to characterise benthic communities and deep-sea habitats.

Key highlights

Concerning absence of top predators and commercial species — reflecting the impact of human activity even in offshore environments.

Rare and abundant presence of torpedo rays, a group that remains little studied.

Identification of priority habitats for conservation, including kelp forests, coral gardens, sandbanks, rocky reefs and deep-sea sponge aggregations.

Aggregation of female torpedo rays I © Oceano Azul Foundation _ Jordi Chias

From science to action

The results of the expedition support the proposal to expand the current Natura 2000 site (22,928 km²) and reassess its levels of protection, with the following objectives:

Recover lost ecological functions, strengthening the presence of top predators and commercially important species.

Protect the Gorringe Seamount and the surrounding abyssal plains, as well as adjacent priority seamounts, through a proposed expansion to approximately 100,000 km².

Raise the protection level of the area to Full or High Protection, in alignment with international standards (IUCN, MPA Guide, Green List).

Restore kelp forests and cold-water coral habitats.

Create a sanctuary for torpedo rays, large predators and migratory species.

Safeguard breeding areas for turtles, tuna and blue sharks.

Increase the richness and abundance of observed species.

Read the scientific report

The power of communication in the service of conservation

The expedition was not only a scientific mission; it was also a communication project designed to bring the ocean closer to society. As a result of the expedition, the documentary “Gorringe, the Giant of the Atlantic” was produced — a cinematic work that reveals the extraordinary life of the Gorringe Seamount and follows the scientific team’s journey to explore it.

Through previously unseen footage, the documentary unveils the beauty and fragility of one of Europe’s most valuable and least known marine ecosystems. It is a powerful tool to raise public awareness and mobilise political will for ocean conservation.

Coming soon…