Mar de las Calmas: Spain’s First Marine National Park

Region: Islas Canarias
Island: El Hierro (La Restinga)
Declared a marine reserve: 1996
Marine reserve surface area: 750 hectares
Declared a Marine national park: Yet to be declared
Park surface area: To be confirmed but it is estimated to be a massive 24,000 hectares

The Mar de las Calmas, located off the coast of La Restinga in Spain’s Canary Islands, is set to become Spain’s first fully marine national park. This historic move will protect an underwater ecosystem rich in biodiversity, centered around the famous underwater mountain El Bajón. The proposed designation, approved by the Spanish Cabinet, will now undergo a parliamentary process to finalize its status.

El Bajón: A Legendary Dive Site

El Bajón, a sharp underwater mountain just off La Restinga, rises nearly to the surface, missing the open air by mere feet. This area is famous among underwater photographers for its dramatic landscape and rich marine life, including large groupers and manta rays. Since 1996, El Bajón has been part of the Mar de las Calmas marine reserve, which has helped preserve the diverse species found in these waters. The new national park status aims to extend this protection across a larger area.

Unique Underwater Landscapes and Marine Life

The underwater scenery of the Mar de las Calmas is shaped by volcanic activity, featuring reefs, caves, tunnels, and volcanic peaks. These formations provide habitats for corals, algae, sponges, and vibrant gorgonians. The surrounding waters of El Hierro are a migration corridor for large species like sperm whales and whale sharks. The area is also home to one of the world’s most significant communities of beaked whales, a species of deep-water cetacean. Within the proposed park’s boundaries lies the Tagoro volcano, formed from an underwater eruption in 2011, which stopped just 80 meters short of breaking the water’s surface.

Have a look here at Get Your Guide for Diving around the waters of El Hierro.

Support and Opposition to the National Park Designation

For over a decade, environmental groups have called for the Mar de las Calmas to be designated as a national park. However, some local communities on El Hierro have expressed concerns about how this might affect economic activities. Between April and May of this year, the Ministry for Ecological Transition conducted a public consultation to gather opinions. In mid-July, Hugo Morán, the Secretary of State for the Environment, visited the island to engage with stakeholders, resulting in significant progress, though some issues remain unresolved.

Balancing Conservation and Local Interests

Traditional fishermen, who have continued their activities despite the existing marine reserve, generally support the park’s creation. However, some sport fishing associations and diving clubs worry about potential restrictions that may come with the national park status. The current marine reserve covers only 750 hectares, while the proposed national park would extend to 24,000 hectares, far out to sea. Unlike land-based national parks, management of this marine park would fall under the jurisdiction of the central government.

Mar de las Calmas: Spain’s First Marine National Park

A Long Road Ahead for Approval

The proposal, in addition to protecting the area’s rich biodiversity, aims to accommodate the rights and interests of local residents and stakeholders. A new public consultation will precede the drafting of a bill to be submitted to the Spanish Congress and Senate for ratification. This process is expected to take at least a year. For comparison, the Sierra de las Nieves National Park in Málaga took over three years from the initial proposal in 2018 to its approval in 2021.

Contributing to Spain’s Marine Conservation Goals

Ecology Minister Teresa Ribera emphasized that the new national park would help Spain meet its goal of protecting at least 30% of its marine spaces by 2030. The Mar de las Calmas is already part of the EU’s Natura 2000 Network, which aims to ensure the long-term survival of Europe’s most valuable and threatened species and habitats.

The creation of the Mar de las Calmas National Park marks a significant step in marine conservation in Spain. While it aims to protect an extraordinary underwater environment, it also considers local economic and social interests. As Spain moves closer to its 2030 conservation targets, the Mar de las Calmas National Park represents a crucial addition to the nation’s protected areas.

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