February 2014: Blue whale and dolphin conservation gets a boost with the decision by Chile Government to make Tic Toc, situated on Chile’s southern coast, the largest Marine Protected Area (MPA) in continental Chile. With an area of around 90,000 ha (equal to the urban area of Chile's capital), Tic-Toc is one of the most biodiverse areas of Chilean coast.
“This marine park is a gift and a great inheritance for our children,” said Dr Francisco Viddi, Marine Conservation Program coordinator at WWF Chile. “Tic-Toc will finally be protected; its rich waters, innumerable species and fragile ecosystem will be conserved and the blue whales will continue to have a home here every summer.”
The new MPA is an important feeding and nursing ground for the blue whale, the world's largest mammal. The area is also home to unique species of dolphins such as the Chilean dolphin and Peale's dolphin, as well as two endangered species of otter.
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