The systematic conservation planning for the deep-water of the Azores, suggested the prioritization outputs are highly dependent on the goals and objectives adopted. It also highlighted that the prioritization outputs, but also the performance assessment and the forecasted impact of management measures depend on the range of conservation features, representation targets, cost model, boundary penalties, and constraints considered.

1. Systematic conservation planning outputs: The analysis of 24 distinct SCP scenarios culminated in the identification of 62 and 63 priority areas for management and conservation, based on area-based cost and fisheries-based cost models, respectively.
2. Forecasted ecosystem outcomes: Our models project that MPA networks in the Azores can significantly increase the biomass of top predators and trigger spatial trophic cascades throughout the food web. However, major changes in ecosystem structure and function were largely confined within the reserve boundaries. Model projections also suggest that deep-sea no-take areas may require longer timeframes to show full effects. Due to the complex topography of the Azores EEZ, spillover effects to adjacent areas may be limited in offshore and deep-water grounds, as these surrounding areas are often unsuitable habitats. Consequently, closed areas designed to safeguard connectivity between suitable habitats (e.g., seamounts, island slopes) may accelerate the recovery of deep-sea environments and be more effective for sustaining fisheries catches.
3. Fisheries management measures: Model projections indicate that implementing no-take areas must be accompanied by complementary fisheries management measures. Specifically, an MPA strategy alone could project potential detrimental effects on some commercially important coastal and shallow-water stocks, likely due to the displacement of fishing effort. This underscores the need for specific prioritization approaches for coastal biodiversity. Complementing closed areas with additional measures, such as fishing effort reductions, is crucial to avoid these negative impacts and achieve broader ecosystem-based management goals.
4. Simplified prioritization solutions: The simplified network of priority areas successfully increased the representativity of all seabed habitats and enhanced connectivity across the entire planning area, meeting all conservation targets. This simplification of scenarios—developed to restore deep-sea fish stocks while protecting biodiversity, ecosystem structure, function, and resilience—resulted in the identification of 62 and 63 priority areas for the area-based and fisheries-based cost models, respectively. It is critical to note that this list summarizes the SCP outputs to inform discussion; it is not intended to prescribe a final MPA design.
5. Knowledge gaps: Although significant scientific research in recent years has substantially increased knowledge of the Azores, fundamental gaps remain. These gaps hinder the development of robust systematic conservation planning approaches needed to inform policies promoting the sustainable use of deep-sea resources.
6. Ways forward: This work reaffirms the need for a long-term strategy to advance deep-sea scientific knowledge. This strategy must include a clear commitment to map the Azorean seafloor and its communities. However, this is only achievable with appropriate infrastructure, technological means, and long-term, stable, and predictable scientific careers for both current and future researchers.