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Area Lobos Island and Islets The Atlantic Ocean and its underwater environment in front of the Punta del Este resort, It was declared a protected area in Uruguay It has been included in the national park category due to its ecological value, the government reported on Friday.
“This is a big step forward,” Deputy Environment Minister Gerardo Amarilla wrote on the social network X about the decision to protect the ecosystem, which was also celebrated by members of the opposition and environmental groups.
This marine area, 8.1 km from the coast, is the first fully marine area to be included in the National System of Protected Areas (SNAP), which includes a total of 19 enclaves across the country.
The decree of the Ministry of Environment prohibits “landing or descent of tourists to the islands, including the rocky perimeters where they emerge, for recreational or tourist purposes”, as well as “public activities, the nature, intensity or manner of which require a change in the environmental characteristics of the area”.
It also prevents any urbanization, construction of new buildings, mining of minerals, and the introduction of non-native plant and animal species.
It also stipulates The soundscape should not be disturbed and fishing and hunting should not be carried out. It also does not allow the laying of new undersea cables or the installation of wind farms.
The main island of 43.5 hectares and the islet of 1.3 hectares are composed of 22 rock formations and are located in the ocean at the southernmost tip of Uruguayan territory.
According to official statements, there are two species of seals considered “priority conservation” living there: the South American fur seal (Arctocephalus australis) and the sea lion (Otaria flavescens).
The area, which has rocky reefs up to 30 meters deep and rich biodiversity, is a “resting point” for fur and elephant seals, a “key area” for migrating southern right whales and habitat for several species of dolphins, killer whales and sea turtles, the text was added.
Lobos Island, where a lighthouse has been located since 1906, was a strategic geopolitical location during colonial times and was also important for the whaling and sealing industries.
The government said that from now on a management plan will be drawn up to guarantee the protection and sustainable use of the area.
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