Conservation
Putting nature first lies at the heart of Islas Secas
Preserving our precious natural heritage drives everything we do at Islas Secas. From coral and species monitoring and international conservation partnerships, to hands-on citizen science experiences for our guests, our environmental team and partners strive to ensure we protect the archipelago and wider Panama region. Guests, children included, are invited to join our work and learn more about the area’s extraordinary biodiversity within a vital marine corridor.
Species Monitoring
We keep a close eye on our biodiversity through the iNaturalist platform, while the birds that inhabit the archipelago are logged through eBird. Guests are invited to take part and report what they discover, helping add to these vital scientific data repositories, which in turn inform scientists and influence conservation action.
Frigatebird Monitoring
Islas Secas is home to Panama’s second-largest colony of magnificent frigates (Fregata magnificens). Our ongoing study of their permanent, active marine colonies in the Gulf of Chiriquí, counts the nesting birds at least four times a year and we love to invite guests to take part in our research.
Protected Waters
Working closely with national and international partners, the waters around Islas Secas are now fully protected from damaging commercial fishing, including gillnets, trawlers and lobster fishing. Local pole-and-line fishing and recreational catch-and-release fishing remains protected, ensuring the local community continues to benefit. The results to our marine life are already evident, with a significant uptick in species spotted in our waters.
Habitat Restoration
Our program of invasive, non-endemic plant removal effectively restores the ecological balance of the islands. This has allowed us to repopulate the archipelago with thousands of native plants, grown in an on-site nursery. We have also worked closely with Audubon Panama to gain a better understanding of the archipelagos’ diverse bird habitats, with the aim to reintroduce threatened species in the future.
Marine Debris Removal
Our conservation team conducts large-scale ghost net and longline removals to protect local reefs. In 2025, we removed 900 pounds of nets and 11 miles of longlines from surrounding waters, preventing further coral damage and safeguarding marine life.
Whale Research & Monitoring
In partnership with Panacetacea, we support long-term whale monitoring through photo ID, acoustic studies, and migration mapping. Over 1,000 individual whales have been identified in the Gulf of Chiriquí, enriching global understanding of this critical marine corridor.
Beny Wilson
“Let us show your family the wild wonders of Islas Secas. We’ll pique your curiosity about this unique place on Earth - one of the most biodiverse in the Eastern Tropical Pacific. We can’t wait to amaze you.”
Conservation Manager
Beny Wilson
Fieldwork That Makes a Difference
Our conservation team conducts hands-on protection of the surrounding reefs and marine habitats. In 2025, a ten-day operation removed 900 pounds of discarded nets, 11 miles of longlines, and a large FAD that was damaging coral structures. Ongoing collaborations with Panacetacea, CCIMBIO, and Smithsonian researchers support long-term monitoring of whales, coral cover, reef fish and ocean health – vital knowledge for protecting the Eastern Tropical Pacific marine corridor.
