BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM
In a move to bolster ocean conservation, Spain designated six new marine zones: five as marine protected areas (MPAs) and one as a seabird sanctuary, which adds an impressive 17,000 square kilometers of protected waters. This strategic expansion raises Spain’s total marine protection to 22.45 percent, edging closer to its 2025 target of 25 percent.
The newly protected zones include some of the most biologically important and ecologically vulnerable parts of Spanish waters: the Mallorca Channel seamounts, Seco de Palos’ pockmark fields, the Capbreton canyon system, the Alboran Sea banks, and the Central Catalan Coast. The sixth site has been identified as an area of special importance for seabirds.
From overlooked ecosystems to protected sanctuaries
These areas are more than dots on a map. They host rare and fragile marine habitats that have long flown under the radar. Oceana, a leading marine conservation NGO, played a key role in bringing them into the spotlight. Years of advocacy and scientific research, including multiple deep-sea expeditions, provided critical data for the designations.
“It is deeply satisfying to see these high-value ecological areas finally receive protection,” said Michael Sealey, policy advisor for Oceana in Europe.
One of the standout sites is the Mallorca Channel, where Oceana used remotely operated vehicles and a research catamaran to explore largely uncharted seamount ecosystems. In Cabo de Palos, the organization was the first to document lush seabeds of soft corals and gorgonians, even uncovering a new species of giant foraminifera, a discovery that underscores the need for protective measures.
“These are not just any sites—they are hotspots of biodiversity,” noted Ricardo Aguilar, Oceana’s director of expeditions. “Our research, alongside work from the broader scientific community, has shown how urgently these ecosystems need protection.”
A milestone for marine conservation in Europe
The move aligns with broader conservation targets under the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 and the commitments made at the UN Ocean Conference. The six sites fall under the LIFE INTEMARES project, a European initiative aimed at creating a coherent, science-led network of MPAs across EU waters.
Once these sites are reviewed and approved by the European Commission for inclusion in the Natura 2000 Network, Spain will have six years to develop and implement detailed management plans. In the meantime, precautionary rules must be put in place to guard against harmful practices, such as bottom trawling, that could jeopardize conservation goals.
“This expansion is a critical step toward building a resilient network of marine ecosystems,” said Sealey. “But the work doesn’t end here—what’s urgently needed now is strong, science-based management.”
Benefits ripple beyond biodiversity
While the ecological significance is clear, these protections also promise broader benefits. Healthier marine ecosystems can strengthen coastal economies by supporting sustainable fisheries, bolstering food security, and creating nature-based tourism opportunities.
In a time when marine ecosystems face mounting pressures from climate change, overfishing, and industrial activities, Spain’s action represents a proactive step toward long-term resilience. It also serves as a model for how nations can meet international conservation goals through science-driven, collaborative efforts.
