The health and proper functioning of coastal marine ecosystems and the biodiversity contained within them are under increasing threat from human activities. In Ecuador 58% of the population is concentrated within 100 km of the coast. This strong pressure has provoked the loss and destruction of key habitats, overexploitation of marine resources, waste contamination, and negative effects in climatic systems. An important tool for ameliorating these threats and contributing to the sustainable use of marine resources is the establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPA’s).

An important focus of Nazca’s activities has been MPA research. We have performed various ecological and cartographic studies, and development of management strategies for various Ecuadorian MPA’s.