MITECO has submitted the management plan of El Cachucho and the expansion of this marine protected area to new public contributions.

The Ministry for Ecological Transition has submitted to new public contributions the management plan of El Cachucho and the expansion of this marine protected area, which treasures a great wealth of biodiversity with more than 740 species identified.

It is an underwater mountain located 65 km from the Asturian coast, which rises from 4,000 meters deep to 425 meters above the surface. In addition to its ecological value, El Cachucho is a refuge and reproduction of important populations of species of fishing interest, such as loach, lily and deep-sea scorpionfish.

To ensure that their protection is compatible with the development of socio-economic activities, a process of social participation has been carried out within the framework of the LIFE IP INTEMARES in order to update the measures established in the 2011 management plan, involving the fishing sector, public administrations and the scientific community, among other agents.

This participatory process now culminates with the opening of a public information procedure, in which contributions can be submitted to the expansion of this protected area and its management plan until February 22, 2019.

Science and participation, the cornerstones
The LIFE IP INTEMARES aims to achieve a network of Natura 2000 marine areas managed in an effective and integrated way, with the active participation of the sectors involved and research as basic tools for decision-making.

The Biodiversity Foundation of the Ministry for Ecological Transition coordinates the LIFE INTEMARES project. The General Directorate of Sustainability of the Coast and the Sea of the same ministry, the Spanish Institute of Oceanography, the Spanish Fisheries Confederation, SEO/BirdLife and WWF-Spain participate as partners.