Peru – New national reserve is a biodiverse marine paradise
The Grau Tropical Sea National Reserve is Peru’s newest national protected natural area. It’s located along Peru’s northern coast in the regions of Tumbes and Piura, and covers an area of 8,900 square miles. The creation of the National Reserve by the Peruvian Federal Government puts protections in place against overfishing, mining and pollution. This is an important step for marine conservation and biodiversity protection and was a decade long process.
The Grau Tropical Sea National Reserve is also the home and workplace of more than 15,000 traditional artisanal fisherman families operating out of small sailboats and is a top cultural and sea destination.
The national reserve contains coral reefs, shallow waters and islands home to a plethora of species. It also hosts large populations of iconic merlin, swordfish and tuna and is the known migration corridor for endangered sea turtles, whales and several species of sharks. Humpback whales travel specifically to the area to give birth, and the vulnerable Humboldt penguins, Pacific seahorses, endangered great hammerhead sharks and hundreds of species of fish and coral can also be found here.
In 2025, CREES MANU marks 20 years of unwavering commitment to biodiversity conservation and community empowerment at its flagship research centre, the Manu Learning Centre in the Manu Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This milestone highlights two decades of impactful work restoring deforested lands, protecting endangered species, and creating sustainable livelihoods for local communities. Our celebration will include special expeditions, community-led cultural events, and unique opportunities for travellers to engage directly with our ongoing projects.
