Humboldt Archipelago in Chile Approved as a Multi-Use Marine Coastal Protected Area

Featured image: Playa Las Tijeras, Isla Damas, Humboldt Archipelago, Chile © Cesar Villarroel

On August 14th, 2023, Chile’s Council of Ministers for Sustainability approved the Humboldt Archipelago Multi-Use Marine Coastal Protected Area (AMCP-MU). Located between the Atacama and Coquimbo regions, this new area will cover more than 5,700 square kilometers.

Susannah J. Buchan, PhD, Champion of the Humboldt Archipelago Hope Spot and Principal Investigator, CEAZA and COPAS Coastal Research Centers, and Visiting Professor, University of Concepción says, “The creation of the Humboldt Archipelago Multiple Use Marine Protected area is an important step forward in the protection of this unique habitat, particularly from the building of new mega-ports in this area.” She adds, “We thank the hard work of the Chilean Ministry of the Environment. We are thrilled by this news and now look forward to supporting the Chilean government in putting together the MUMPA management plan.”

Dr. Sylvia Earle on a SCUBA diving excursion in the waters of the Humboldt Archipelago © Susannah Buchan

Under the new designation, artisanal fishing and wildlife tourism will continue to be allowed, while port projects, including mining, are blocked.

César Villarroel, Champion of the Humboldt Archipelago Hope Spot and Captain, Explorasub Centro de Buceo, says, “Local fishing communities and a large part of the citizens in Chile have spent many hard years fighting against the installation of mega projects that threaten the place and waiting for the creation of a protected coastal marine area, which protects the unique biodiversity of the area, including artisanal fishing, tourism and heritage activities of the Chango people. Today, with the creation of the MUMPA Humboldt Archipelago, there is real hope for protection, with the enormous challenge of creating an inclusive administration plan that enhances the place for what it is: a key site for the future of Chile’s coastline.” 

The Humboldt Archipelago spans a collection of islands off Chile’s northern coast and possesses the Humboldt Current kelp forest ecosystem, which sustains high levels of biodiversity. Kelp forests, which are suffering unregulated exploitation, provide essential habitats for invertebrates, juvenile Humboldt Current krill, and juvenile pelagic fish. It holds a significant population of vulnerable species as the Humboldt penguin (Spheniscus humboldti) and endemic species as the Peruvian diving petrel (Pelecanoides garnotii).

Humboldt penguins © Explorasub Films

Under the waves, the Humboldt Archipelago serves as a migration route and feeding ground for endangered fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus), blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus), humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), Sei whales (Balaenoptera borealis) and Southern right whales (Eubalaena australis).

© Explorasub Films