Uruguay

Uruguay’s rich marine ecosystem is host to at least 100 shark and ray species, 31 cetacean species, 38 seabird species, and the largest breeding colonies of South American fur seals and sea lions. In 2023, the government pledged to expand marine protected areas (MPAs) to 10 per cent in the short term and 30 per cent by 2030. In 2024, Blue Marine worked closely with Mar Azul Uruguayo (MAU) and local partners to establish environmental monitoring in MPAs, support the development of a monitoring buoy, and launch an awareness campaign on marine biodiversity with a focus on shark conservation.  

A key achievement was the creation of Isla de Los Lobos, Uruguay’s first MPA in the Maldonado department, which will protect a permanent colony of 63,000 fur sea lions, several species of birds, and mussel banks that support bony and cartilaginous fish. A pioneering partnership was also created between the navy, non-profit Skylight and MAU to monitor illegal fishing. These initiatives achieved local and international media visibility, instilling a sense of national pride in Uruguay’s unique marine ecosystems.  

Blue Marine will now collaborate with MAU on regional shark and ray conservation measures, education workshops, strategic partnerships, and developing monitoring technologies. We will also work with local partners towards the establishment of Uruguay’s next MPA, Banco de Pez Limon.