Huge reserves protect underwater mountains, endangered sea life

Argentina's government has voted to create two new marine parks that cover an area the size of Hungary.

Two new marine parks that together make up an area the size of Hungary have been created in the South Atlantic Ocean.

One is called Yaganes and is located just off the southern tip of Argentina—a spot nicknamed “the end of the world.” The other, Namuncurá-Burdwood Bank II, is in the South Atlantic. Together, they make up 37,000 square miles of marine protected areas (MPAs) teeming with sea creatures, many of which are classified as threatened species.

Portions of these new MPAs have remained pristine by default of their remoteness, and the Argentine government’s decision to protect them ensures that the marine ecosystems will stay that way. Conservationists are hoping this move signals a shift toward stronger conservation measures in the country.

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