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The Rio de la Plata flows into the Atlantic Ocean between Argentina and Uruguay. Rich in nutrients, the fresh river water meets productive seawater upwelling onto the oceanic shelf. The result is high biodiversity, and that has attracted unsustainable fishing pressure.

The Uruguayan fishing fleet is small in comparison to its neighbours but is poorly regulated. Many boats target sharks, exporting fins through the port of Montevideo. More than 90 per cent of fish caught in Uruguay’s waters are exported. The society’s awareness of the ocean environment is low, and marine conservation has been generally ignored until now. 

Blue Marine is collaborating 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. The Isla de Los Lobos MPA will protect a permanent colony of 63,000 fur sea lions, several species of birds, and mussel banks that support bony and cartilaginous fish.  

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 2024, Blue Marine worked closely with Mar Azul Uruguayo (MAU) and local partners to establish monitoring in MPAs, support the development of a monitoring buoy, and launch an awareness campaign on marine biodiversity with a focus on shark conservation.