President Pedro Sánchez's official endorsement of the future Mar de las Calmas National Park, which will be located in the marine waters of the island of El Hierro, marks a significant milestone for marine conservation and the activation of the blue economy in the Canary Islands. Announced as a "strategic priority," this area is set to become Spain's first exclusively marine national park, recognizing the high ecological and scientific value of its volcanic seabed, underwater caves, and rich biodiversity.
The declaration will provide a more solid legal framework to protect one of the most unique ecosystems in the Atlantic, home to pelagic species and algae beds that are fundamental to the food chain, while artisanal fishing is carried out with respect for the environment. The park will strengthen environmental monitoring mechanisms and promote a sustainable management model that benefits both conservation and local communities.
In addition, this initiative opens a direct path for the development of marine research. The designation as a national park will facilitate access to state and European funding for scientific studies, species observation, climate change monitoring, and monitoring of the Tagoro underwater volcano. Universities, research centers, and organizations such as the Spanish Institute of Oceanography will find El Hierro a privileged location for the study of Atlantic marine ecosystems.
At the same time, the blue economy will be strengthened with new opportunities: from scientific and nature tourism—diving, environmental interpretation, and whale watching—to the revaluation of sustainable local fishing and the creation of jobs linked to science, conservation, and outreach. This initiative also responds to Spain's commitment to increase the area of its protected waters to 25% by 2025 and to impose a moratorium on underwater mining, in line with European and global ocean protection objectives.
The Mar de las Calmas National Park thus symbolizes an integrative model in which the preservation of the natural environment is not at odds with social and economic development, but rather becomes its main driving force. For El Hierro, it represents a historic opportunity to be at the forefront of marine sustainability, applied science, and island resilience.
In La Laguna, June 11, 2025.
The coordinator,
Miguel Muñoz
–Sánchez's endorsement of the Mar de las Calmas National Park. Article published on June 10, 2025, in El Día:
https://www.eldia.es/el-hierro/2025/06/10/espaldarazo-sanchez-parque-nacional-mar-118431413.html
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| Panoramic view of Mar de las Calmas. Source: El Día |
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| From right to left, our coordinator, Miguel Muñoz, and the secretary of our business initiatives, Ramiro Rosón, at Mesón Los Ángeles. –Mesón Los Ángeles Address: Avenida Islas Canarias, 28 (38006, Santa Cruz de Tenerife) Website: https://www.mesonlosangeles.com Telephone: 922 28 04 13 |
























