Gulf of Chiriquí National Marine Park

Beach at Golfo de Chiriquí National Park

The Gulf of Chiriquí Marine Park is located in the middle of the Gulf of Chiriquí. It was established in 1994 to protect 150 square kilometres (58 sq mi) of marine ecosystems, including coral reef, mangrove swamp and marine meadow, and around two dozen islands of the archipelago of Las Isla Parida. In total, the park has 25 islands and 19 coral reefs.

The park is known for its wildlife including: green iguanas, humpback whales (from August to October), hammerhead sharks, Whitetip reef sharks, manta rays, dolphins and multiple species of sea turtle that nest on the island beaches.

Islands protected within the park are Santa Catherine, Pulgoso, Gomez, Dyer, Bishop, Obispone, the Pargos, Drowned, Stone Icacos, Corral, Bolaños, Bolañitos and Berraco. These islands are covered by tropical forests including cedar, hawthorn and oak trees which can provide timber; one reason why many of these areas are very threatened and in need of protection.

See also

• Protected areas of Panama

External links

• Panama Board of Tourism
• Chiriqui.org