The Mar de las Calmas,  off the island of El Hierro in the Canary Islands, is planned to be Spain’s first fully marine national park. The area is already renowned for its biodiversity and underwater volcanic landscapes and is set to become the country's 17th national park. Currently, Spain has 16 National Parks, all terrestrial. 

Located off La Restinga, the southernmost settlement in Spain, Mar de las Calmas is home to a rich variety of marine life, including manta rays and one of the world’s most important communities of beaked whales. At the centre of the park is the famous El Bajón, an underwater mountain and a favorite spot for diving enthusiasts. The area has been a protected marine fishing reserve since 1996, which has helped preserve its ecological diversity.

If fully established, the Mar de las Calmas National Park will protect 24,000 hectares of marine environment, extending several miles offshore. The park’s designation will ensure the preservation of unique volcanic reefs, caves, and deep-sea habitats that support various species, including sperm whales and whale sharks.

A public consultation process is now open, with a bill to be introduced in Parliament for final approval. If successful, the Mar de las Calmas will set a precedent for marine conservation in Spain.