The Spanish government has approved the establishment of the country's first marine national park, a move that has been praised by ecologists and the diving community.
El Hierro's rugged coastline seen from above
The marine reserve is located in the Atlantic Ocean at the southwestern tip of the island of El Hierro, the westernmost of the Canary Islands. The area is known for its exceptional marine biodiversity, including sharks, dolphins, tuna, rays and turtles. The waters are calm because they are sheltered from the trade winds, and its tropical nature is home to species not found in the rest of the archipelago. The almost complete kelp cover and the diversity of the seabed support a high level of biodiversity. The area is also an essential habitat for beaked whales.
In the centre of the park is the famous El Bajón, an underwater mountain and a favourite spot for divers. The area has been a Marine Fishing Reserve since 1996, which has helped to preserve its ecological diversity.
Approval
On 30 July, the Council of Ministers approved a proposal to grant the Mar de las Calmas the highest level of protection from the Spanish state.
Teresa Ribera, Minister for Ecological Transition, said: "We have started the process of declaring a new National Park. The Mar de las Calmas is a unique place, perhaps the greatest in tropical and subtropical diversity. It will have the highest level of protection."
Ribera highlighted the extensive work that has gone into reconciling maximum protection with traditional activities. Industrial fishing and mineral extraction will be banned within the park, and vessel speeds will be controlled to protect the resident cetaceans.
Once fully established, the Mar de las Calmas National Park will protect 24,000 hectares of marine environment, extending several miles offshore. The park's designation will ensure the preservation of unique volcanic reefs, caves and deep sea habitats that support several species, including sperm whales and whale sharks.
Management of the marine park will be the responsibility of the central government, unlike national parks on land.
