Coastal MPA
Bahía Blanca Coastal Reserve
Municipal Nature Reserve

Cover Photo © Pablo Petracci

Description

This municipal reserve includes open coastal environments adapted to high salt concentrations, where endangered species such as the Southern Flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis) and the Olrog’s Gull (Larus atlanticus) are present, along with a varied fauna of resident and migratory species. The area also has a very high educational potential due to its proximity to the city of Bahía Blanca. Jume marshes (Sarcocornia perennis) environments stand out.

Geographic Location

Province

Buenos Aires

Coordinates

-38.76° Latitude S

-62.32° Longitude W

Size and Limits

Total Area:

0

Marine Area:

0

Continental Area:

0

NOTES ON SURFACE ESTIMATION
Area estimated based on the calculation of the area of the polygon represented on the map (ArcGIS PRO) with an Albers Equivalent Conic projection to preserve area calculations.

3.19 km2 according to the Municipal Ordinance of creation (N° 13892).

Legal Aspects

Jurisdiction

Provincial – Municipal

Year of Creation

2011

Creation Legislation

Decree 469

Eco-regiones

Marina

Terrestre

Espinal Ecoregion

Tipos de hábitat

  • Continental Habitat: shrub steppe.
  • Intertidial: salt marshes, crab banks, tidal flats.

Conservation Objectives

Coastal environments adapted to high salt concentrations. Presence of Olrog’s gulls and species of migratory and resident birds.

Human Activities

  • Coastal tourism
  • Recreational boat fishing
  • Recreational coastal fishin
  • Artisanal subsistence fishing
  • General navigation
  • Nautical sports with motor boats
  • Sailing water sports
  • Research

Conservation challenges of iconi species

One of the main conservation challenges is the management of contamination in the area from garbage, solid waste dumping, and untreated sewage effluents. Before the reserve was created, the area was a municipal garbage dump.

Management

Land ownership

The terrestrial sector up to the shore line corresponds to Bahia Blanca Municipality.
Bahía Blanca Port Management Consortium is in charge of the coastal area, from the shore line and including the intertidal areas.

Personnel

No personnel

Infrastructure

No infrastructure

Action plan for species

No data

Management effectiveness and evaluation year

Not evaluated

Public use

Number of visitors; year of estimate

The area is open for tourism. There are no statistics on the number of visitors per year.

Visitor services

Without services

Entrance fee

There is no entrance fee.

Sources consulted: Provincial Decree No. 469/11.
Expert review: Pablo Petracci (2021) – Researcher, Universidad Nacional del Sur