Government of Ecuador creates the Puerto Cabuyal-Punta San Clemente Marine Reserve, in Manabí, to protect species such as sharks

The Ministry of the Environment, Water and Ecological Transition announced the creation of a new protected area, called Puerto Cabuyal-Punta San Clemente Marine Reserve.

The new reserve covers an area of ​​130,427 hectares that extend from Punta Ballena in the Jama canton to Punta San Clemente in the Sucre canton, in Manabí. The area comprises a diversity of ecosystems, including coral formations, rocky shallows, and nesting beaches for sea turtles. The country has eight marine reserves, including this space.

“After 3 years of research and with a strong initiative from the artisanal fishing sector, the scientific community, non-governmental organizations, local governments and the community, a participatory process was promoted to create Puerto Cabuyal – Punta San Clemente. This marine reserve is special, since its declaration it brings with it development opportunities for the community ”, indicated the Deputy Minister of the Environment, Bianca Dager.

The new protected area will contribute to the conservation of several iconic and endangered species. The abundance of hatchlings and juveniles of hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna lewini) demonstrated that the area constitutes a fundamental breeding area for this species, based on a study carried out by MigraMar researchers and artisanal fishermen, thanks to the support of the Ocean Blue Tree Foundation.

Sharks play a fundamental role in the ecosystem and their abundance is an indicator of the health of the ocean. With the creation of the new marine reserve, the protection of hammerhead sharks, considered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, as endangered species is promoted. In addition, species of high ecological value such as humpback whales, sea turtles and whale sharks will be protected. (I)