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Spain Proposes First Marine National Park to Protect El Hierro's Unique Marine Biodiversity. The Spanish government has initiated the process to designate Mar de las Calmas on El Hierro as the country's first fully marine national park, highlighting its ecological significance, Spanish newspaper El País reports. The area is renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity and stunning volcanic formations, including reefs, caves, and unique marine life, such as groupers and manta rays. El Bajón, a prominent underwater mountain, is a key feature of the Mar de las Calmas, attracting underwater photographers and divers due to its rich marine life and challenging currents. The Mar de las Calmas area has been a marine fishing reserve since 1996, which has been crucial in preserving its diverse marine ecosystem. The proposal requires a legislative process, including public consultations and parliamentary approval, to officially establish the national park. The initiative aims to balance environmental conservation with local economic activities, addressing concerns from some sectors about potential restrictions. The proposed national park would expand the protected marine area from 750 hectares to 24,000 hectares, significantly increasing conservation efforts. Traditional fishermen generally support the park, while some sport fishing and diving clubs worry about increased restrictions impacting their activities. Environmental groups have long advocated for this designation, emphasizing the need for enhanced protection of the area's unique marine biodiversity. The park's establishment aligns with Spain's commitment to protect 30% of its marine space by 2030, contributing to the EU's Natura 2000 Network and global conservation targets.
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