Spain Proposes 17 New Protected Marine Areas in the Canary Islands to Safeguard 17,000 km² of Ocean

CANARY ISLANDS – The Spanish Government has unveiled major plans to establish 17 new marine protected areas across the Canary Islands, adding nearly 17,000 square kilometres of ocean to the European Natura 2000 conservation network.

The proposal aims to safeguard critical underwater habitats, deep-sea coral reefs, seagrass meadows, sea turtles, and rich populations of whales and dolphins. The initiative includes 17 new Sites of Community Importance (LICs) and two new Special Protection Areas for Birds (ZEPAs).

Island Breakdown of Proposed Conservation Zones

The marine protection layout spans five islands across the archipelago:

• Tenerife: 5 new protected sectors covering 564 km².
• Gran Canaria: 5 conservation areas totalling 323 km².
• La Palma: 3 marine sites spanning approximately 793 km².
• La Gomera: 3 zones covering over 500 km².
• Lanzarote: 1 protected area of 24 km² along the Famara coastline.

Additionally, two strategic bird protection corridors will be established: one connecting the waters between Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, and another bridging the marine passage between Tenerife and La Gomera.

Unique Underwater Habitats Under Protection

Key highlights off Tenerife include the northern coastline stretching from Ladera Castillo to Roque de Antequera, which features the underwater mountain chain known as "Las Siete Hermanas" (The Seven Sisters) and the basalt columns of La Rapadura.

The project also extends protection to the Teno-Rasca marine strip—a world-renowned sanctuary for resident pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, and green turtles—alongside extensive seagrass beds off Güímar, Arico, and Granadilla de Abona.

Advancing European Biodiversity Goals

Once public consultations conclude and formal approval is granted by the European Commission, Spain’s protected marine territory will rise from 22.45% to 24.53% of its territorial waters, moving closer to the EU Biodiversity Strategy target of 30% by 2030.

This environmental milestone enhances the Canary Islands' reputation for eco-conscious tourism, offering guests staying in holiday apartments in los cristianos world-class opportunities for sustainable ocean watching, diving, and coastal excursions.