📋 Tender Overview
The study analyzed 31 years of data obtained by national and international research cruises, revealing information that could rewrite what we know about the oceans.Peru writes a new chapter in the ocean exploration. The Nasca Nasca National Reserve, the first entirely marked protected natural area of the country, presents unpublished information obtained from its first comprehensive scientific research project since its creation. The results are revealing: 391 identified underwater elevations, high -resolution three -dimensional maps and geological data that could transform knowledge about marine biodiversity in the South Pacific.
Located in front of ICA, the Nasca Dorsal Reserve covers 62,392 km2 and protects a chain of volcanic underwater mountains that are part of the Nasca and Salas and Gomez dorsal mountain range, which extends more than 4,000 kilometers by the Pacific. In their depths, which reach between 1,800 and 4,000 meters below sea level, unique ecosystems, vital for global biodiversity and climatic regulation inhabit.
The study, developed thanks to a strategic alliance between the National Service of Natural Areas Protected by the State (Sernanp), an agency assigned to the Ministry of Environment; The Institute of the Sea of Peru (Imarpe), the Directorate of Hydrography and Navigation of the Navy of Peru, and with the collaboration of the Re: Wild Foundation, analyzed 1,603 batimetric archives obtained by 19 national and international research cruises since 1994.
Thanks to these data, three -dimensional images and models of batimetry, reflectivity of the marine background and multihaz echograms were processed, managing more than 70% of the reserve for the first time.
This study constitutes the initial foundation for the integral scientific knowledge of Nascas dorsal and marks a precedent for future marine research in Peru, said the TTE. 2nd. Alvaro Manrique, Hydrographic Officer of the Marine of Peru.
The finding will open new exploration lines for 30% of the reserve that remains unexplored.
With this investigation, we not only discover the richness of our deep marine heritage, but we also confirm that the inter -institutional and multidisciplinary union is key to reaching great goals. This is a firm step towards the conservation of marine ecosystems and the legacy that we will leave to future generations, said Cussui Segura, head of the Nascas National Reserve.
About the reserve
Created in 2021, the Nasca Dorsal Reserve is one of the most strategic marine spaces in Peru. Its waters serve as a biological corridor for migratory species such as albatros, turtles, whales and sharks, and are a refuge of commercial importance such as pota, parakeet, beautiful, jurel, blue shark, swordfish, yellow fin tuna and mackerel.
The reserve protects a chain of volcanic underwater mountains formed 30 million years ago. Unlike other underwater mountain ranges of the planet, it extends to great depths, with a complex relief.
Its marine ecosystems are unique and fragile, and its low exploration makes this natural area a living laboratory for scientific research and the understanding of biodiversity and geology of the seabed of the South Pacific.
