Spain will achieve a new environmental milestone with the expansion of its protected marine areas, surpassing 25% of its maritime territory under ecological regulation.
The announcement was made by the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, during the UN Conference on Oceans held in Nice, France.
One of the key points of this expansion is the creation of a new marine reserve northeast of Menorca. It will be designated to protect a sperm whale breeding area, a species threatened in the western Mediterranean.
## Key Reserves for Marine Conservation
In addition to the sperm whale zone in Menorca, the Government has initiated the procedures to:
– Declare the Mar de las Calmas National Park in El Hierro.
– Expand the network of protected marine areas, strengthening the preservation of vulnerable ecosystems.
The proposal to protect the sperm whale nursery was presented by scientists from the Tursiops organization, who have recorded up to 35 encounters with these marine mammals in the region since 2019, mainly females with calves.
This new refuge aims to mitigate the impact of maritime traffic, which poses a growing threat to ecosystem stability.
## Political Support and Legislative Advances
In early April, the Joint Committee on Insularity of the Congress and the Senate approved a non-binding motion urging the Government to declare the area as a protected area, with the majority support of political parties.
Spain’s commitment to marine conservation adds to other prominent announcements at the opening of the UN Ocean Summit, where Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the need to restore marine biodiversity.
## Global Challenges in Ocean Protection
During the conference, Guterres warned about the overexploitation of the ocean, urging the reinforcement of international regulations to prevent the degradation of seabeds.
One of the major challenges is the ratification of the High Seas Treaty, agreed upon in 2023 but still lacking the necessary support to enter into force.
## A Key Step for Marine Conservation
Spain is moving towards the effective protection of its maritime territory, reinforcing its commitment to oceanic biodiversity and environmental sustainability.
The new sperm whale reserve in Menorca and the expansion of protected areas consolidate the country as a reference in marine conservation, setting a precedent in the defense of ecosystems.
*Cover photo: Tursiops*
