Chile Expands Marine Protection Around Juan Fernández Archipelago

In a significant conservation milestone, Chile has announced the expansion of marine protections around the Juan Fernández archipelago, a region known for its unique biodiversity. This decision, made by outgoing President Gabriel Boric just before the election of José Antonio Kast on March 11, 2026, will extend protections over 337,000 square kilometers (130,000 square miles) of ocean, creating one of the largest marine protected areas globally. Once implemented, the total protected area will reach nearly 1 million square kilometers, safeguarding over 50% of Chile's waters.

The Guardian

The initiative is the result of decades of advocacy by local islanders and conservation organizations, including the Blue Marine Foundation, Pew Bertarelli Ocean Legacy, Island Conservation, and Fundación Patagonia Azul. The local fishing community, primarily composed of lobster fishers, has actively engaged in sustainable practices and stewardship of their marine environment. Their efforts were galvanized by the detrimental effects of industrial fishing, particularly the overfishing of the orange roughy, which prompted a community-led proposal for enhanced protections.

The Guardian

Sylvia Earle, a renowned oceanographer and conservationist, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Now we have a country that exceeds what most countries are willing to step up and do.” The agreement aligns with global commitments to protect 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030, as outlined in the recent high seas treaty.

The Guardian

Despite the positive developments, the new Chilean government’s stance on the marine park expansion remains uncertain. The Ministry of the Environment has indicated that it does not intend to eliminate existing protections, but the ongoing review of environmental laws could impact the implementation of the new protections. The community is now awaiting clarity on whether the new administration will uphold the agreement.

The Guardian

Local leaders, such as Julio Chamorro Solís, president of the Organización Comunitaria Funcional Mar de Juan Fernández, have expressed their commitment to preserving the fragile ecosystem. Chamorro noted, “We know the level of endemism we have and how fragile this ecosystem is. There’s a biological treasure here.” A survey indicated that 98% of residents support the extended protections, reflecting a strong community consensus on the need for conservation.

The Guardian

The expansion of the marine protected area around the Juan Fernández archipelago represents a crucial step in safeguarding both marine biodiversity and the cultural heritage of the local fishing community. As Chile positions itself as a leader in ocean conservation, the outcome of the new government's review will be pivotal in determining the future of these protections and the health of the region's unique ecosystem.

The Guardian