Coastal MPA
Punta Tombo Costera
Specific Purpose Tourist Nature Reserve

Cover Photo © Darío Podesta

Description

The Punta Tombo Natural Protected Area and its surroundings present a great variability of coastal and marine environments that constitute habitats for numerous species of coastal and marine birds. This reserve is home to the largest known colony of Magellanic penguins, with about 200,000 breeding pairs. In addition, the adjacent coastal and marine zone constitutes a distribution area for different species of marine mammals. In particular, the area is home to three sea lion rookeries (Otaria flavescens). It is located within the ¨Patagonia Azul¨ Biosphere Reserve, approved in 2015 during the 27th Session of the International Coordinating Council of UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere (MAB) Program.

Geographic Location

Provincia

Chubut

Coordinates

-44.04° Latitude S

-65.20° Longitude W

Size and Limits

Total Area:

0

Marine Area:

0

Continental Area:

0

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

SIB, APN and the Management Plan report an area of 2.1 km2 (Read More).

Legal Aspects

Jurisdiction

Provincial

Year of Creation

1972 / 2010

Creation Legislation

Provincial Decree 2870 – Law 2161 – Law XXIII N 12 (2010)

International Recognition

It is part of the Patagonia Azul Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO).

Photo © Nicolás Battini
Photo © Darío Podesta

Eco-regions represented

Marine

Land

Patagonian Steppe Ecoregion

Conservation Objectives

Conservation of populations of Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magallanicus), Magellanic cormorants (Phalacrocorax magellanicus) and King cormorants (Phalacrocorax albiventer). (SIB)
See the Management Plan defined objectives for more information

Colonies and stopover sites

The following table presents the colonies or stopover sites of some emblematic species of birds and marine mammals present within the MPA boundaries.

Management

Year of Management Plan approval

2005

Management effectiveness and evaluation year

87 % – METT Evaluation (2014)

Sources consulted: Management Plan (2005).
Bird and marine mammal colonies: See Bibliography