Spain Expands Ocean Protection with Six New Marine Reserves

Spain has declared six new marine protected areas, safeguarding 17,000 km² of ocean and bringing total marine protection to 22.45% — a significant advance toward its goal of protecting 25% of national waters by the end of 2025.

“It is deeply satisfying to see these high-value ecological areas finally receive protection,” said Michael Sealey, policy advisor for Oceana in Europe. “This expansion is a critical step toward building a resilient network of marine ecosystems.”

The newly protected sites include biodiversity hotspots such as the Mallorca Channel seamounts, the Seco de Palos pockmark fields, and the Alboran Sea banks. Backed by years of research through the LIFE INTEMARES project, the move strengthens Spain’s role in meeting the EU Biodiversity Strategy and UN Ocean Conference goals, while supporting sustainable fisheries and coastal livelihoods.