Spain has taken a significant step toward expanding marine conservation by proposing the creation of its first exclusively marine national park, the Mar de las Calmas, situated off the southwest coast of El Hierro in the Canary Islands.
The proposal was introduced during the 27th session of the National Parks Network Council, held Tuesday at the Ministry for Ecological Transition in Madrid. Chaired by Secretary of State for the Environment Hugo Morán, the session focused on strengthening protections for areas of high ecological value across the country.
Spanning more than 24,000 hectares within the Canary Marine Demarcation, the Mar de las Calmas is recognized for its exceptional ecological and scientific importance. Conservation organizations, including WWF, Ecologistas en Acción, and SEO/BirdLife, have praised the move as a pivotal moment for Spain’s National Parks Network.
“This is a long-awaited milestone,” said Asunción Ruiz, Executive Director of SEO/BirdLife. She noted that while the proposal has been well received, the process for official designation is intricate and could take up to a year to complete.
Marine Biodiversity Haven
The proposed park encompasses a remarkably diverse underwater ecosystem. Deep-sea, tropical, and subtropical species thrive in the region’s rich marine environment. Key features include photophilic algae beds, submarine caves, coral formations, and habitats for cetaceans, marine turtles, and glass sponges.
The waters also serve as a crucial refuge for several seabird species, such as the osprey, Cory’s shearwater, and the endangered Macaronesian shearwater. The area is home to one of the world’s most important populations of beaked whales (ziphiids), as well as various rays, sharks, and, in recent observations, a whale shark.
Efforts to protect the Mar de las Calmas as a national park date back to 2017. Following years of environmental studies and advocacy, the proposal gained initial approval from the Spanish Council of Ministers in August 2024.
If officially declared, Mar de las Calmas would become the first national park in Spain composed entirely of marine territory. Environmental advocates say the designation would place Spain at the forefront of marine conservation efforts, highlighting the country’s commitment to preserving vulnerable ecosystems amid escalating climate threats.