The Los Lagos Regional Commission for the Use of the Coastal Fringe in Chile has given definitive approval for a 46 square kilometre protected zone in the gulf of Corcovado and the sea surrounding Chiloé Island which is home to the blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus). Promoted by the Blue Whale Centre (CBA), the declaration of the Protected Multi-purpose Marine and Coastal Area was approved on Jan. 2. Maximiliano Bello of CBA explained to Tierramérica that the next step is to obtain the approval of the Aysén regional authorities. The entire process could be completed by the end of June.

On Dec. 21, the government awarded the Bicentennial Seal to the project to designate this protected area, for contributing to development in Chile, in anticipation of the national celebrations of 200 years of independence in 2010.