July 3, 2026
Spain’s National Restoration Plan: an opportunity to strengthen marine ecosystems against climate change
National Restoration Plans are an opportunity to expand the network of strictly protected areas in the marine environment. They are a chance that cannot be missed in order to strengthen the resilience of marine ecosystems faced with climate change and rising sea temperatures, including marine heatwaves such as those currently affecting the Mediterranean and which will become increasingly frequent and intense.
Oceana has taken part in the marine participation roundtable convened by Spain’s Ministry for Ecological Transition to draft its National Restoration Plan. During the meeting, the Ministry shared an initial draft presenting four examples of restoration measures to be implemented. In our view, only areas that have a strict protection regime established in their management plans and that ensure the effective reduction of existing pressures should count as passive restoration areas. We also regret that the participation process is concluding without stakeholders having had the opportunity to review and analyse the full draft of the Plan.
A Ready-to-Implement Proposal: 50 Marine Sanctuaries for Spain
Oceana has already put forward concrete, science-based proposals that the Ministry can incorporate into the Plan, including those outlined in the report 50 Marine Refuges for Spain, which identifies fifty priority areas where new strictly protected areas could be established on the basis of scientific criteria.
These proposals provide a solid foundation for incorporating passive restoration measures into the National Restoration Plan and for making effective progress towards meeting national and European marine conservation commitments, including to strictly protect 10% of the sea under the 30×30 target – a Spanish commitment that, to date, is far less than 1% in national waters.
Restoring the ocean is essential to recover biodiversity, ensure healthier and more resilient ecosystems, and secure the future of fisheries and the communities that depend on them.
