Peru Takes an Important Step in Marine Conservation, Declaring the Mar Tropical de Grau National Reserve

In a momentous stride towards marine conservation and biodiversity protection, Peru has established the Mar Tropical de Grau National Reserve. This decision is the culmination of a decade-long collaboration between civil society organizations, government institutions, and local communities.

The Peruvian government’s decision to create this reserve underscores its commitment to preserving marine biodiversity, supporting local economies, and mitigating threats posed by a changing climate. With an extension of 285,841 acres (115,676 ha), Mar Tropical de Grau is one of the most important areas globally for marine biodiversity conservation, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

A Transition Zone Full of Life

Located along Peru’s northern coast in the regions of Piura and Tumbes, Mar Tropical de Grau contains coral reefs, shallow waters, and islands home to a plethora of species. Thanks to the convergence of two ocean currents: the cold Humboldt current and the warmer Guayaquil current, this area hosts a spectacular concentration of Peru’s marine biodiversity. In fact, more than 70% of all marine species in Peru are found in the new reserve. Furthermore, Mar Tropical de Grau hosts large populations of iconic merlin, swordfish, and tuna, and is a known migration corridor for endangered sea turtles, whales (12 of the 30 known) and several species of sharks. 

Some exceptional species found in the ecosystem include humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), which travel to this area specifically to give birth, vulnerable Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti), Pacific seahorses (Hippocampus ingens), endangered great hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna mokarran), as well as hundreds of species of fish and corals. Moreover, as it is a transition zone, Mar Tropical de Grau hosts a large concentration of endemic species, and species new to science, according to Nature and Culture International.

An Economic Engine for Locals, and for the Nation

Peru is a seafood nation. Ceviche, Arroz con Mariscos, Escabeche de Pescado, and other ocean-based dishes dominate menus along the country’s coastline. Mar Tropical de Grau is one of the places that make this possible. Despite its relatively small size, 2 out of 3 fish consumed nationally come from the new reserve. This makes it a critical piece of Peru’s economy.

Besides protecting beautiful landscapes and islands, Mar Tropical de Grau is the home and workplace of more than 15 thousand traditional artisanal fishermen families operating out of small sailboats. This area is also a well-known sustainable tourist attraction run by local communities.

Sadly, illegal overfishing, mining, and pollution threaten this bastion of Peru’s marine life, and harm the livelihoods of Piura’s artisanal fishermen and women. The creation of this reserve will thwart these activities: establishing new protections against mining, and increasing state presence in these areas will deter overexploitation. 

Sustainable management plans for Mar Tropical de Grau are already underway, and will involve local communities, supporting a thriving local economy whilst protecting key ecosystems. Community engagement also played a major role in the lengthy process to establish the reserve. Mónica Alzamora, Coordinator of Nature and Culture International’s Coastal Marine Program (2010-2020), said: 

“We have learned and understood that one of the most important challenges to reducing the gap in marine conservation in the country is to strengthen the alliance with the communities that inhabit the northern coast of Peru.”

Acknowledgments

The creation of Mar Tropical de Grau is a moment of celebration for the many, many, groups and individuals who have fought for its creation since 2009. These include Peru’s National Park Service (SERNANP), Peru’s Ministry of Environment (MINAM), local communities along the Piura and Tumbes coasts, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Nature and Culture International (NCI), and Sociedad Peruana de Derechos Ambientales (SPDA). 

Among the many individuals who worked for so long to protect this area, Andes Amazon Fund would like to recognize the efforts of our friend and colleague, Monica Alzamora Torres (1981-2022), who worked tirelessly for the creation of Mar Tropical de Grau for over ten years, and without whom this would not have been possible.