Historic Atlantic Sanctuary to Protect Marine Life

Quick Smiles:

• World’s largest marine sanctuary created for whales and dolphins
• IUCN Congress resolution passed with 96.5% support
• Macaronesia includes Azores, Cape Verde, Canaries, and Madeira

Inspiring collaboration between governments and conservation groups has led to the approval of an ambitious marine sanctuary. The Macaronesia Sanctuary will safeguard vital migratory routes for 32 species of whales and dolphins in the northeastern Atlantic.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature’s recent Congress saw overwhelming support for this new initiative. The sanctuary encompasses waters around the Azores, Cape Verde, Canary Islands, and Madeira.

Loro Parque Fundación, a Canarian conservation group founded by German biologist Wolfgang Kiessling, played a central role in making this vision a reality. Their global work has helped save 18 species from extinction over the past 30 years.

“The Macaronesia Sanctuary represents a shared aspiration between science, institutions, and society,” said Kiessling in a statement. “Its approval by the IUCN demonstrates that international cooperation remains the most powerful tool we have to safeguard ocean biodiversity.”

This sanctuary aims to lessen threats such as fishing gear entanglement, ship strikes, underwater noise, and deep-sea mining. With 84% of Atlantic whale and dolphin species traversing these waters, the area’s protection is both crucial and timely.

Recent support included all public universities in the Macaronesia nations signing the Marine Biodiversity Manifesto, strengthening research and conservation alliances led by Loro Parque Fundación.

Although details around enforcement and funding are still being determined, enthusiasm for this initiative is high as stakeholders work towards a vibrant and thriving ocean ecosystem.

Let’s applaud this remarkable step for marine wildlife and look forward to brighter horizons for our oceans!

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