The Nahuel Huapi National Park intensified actions to identify and remove unauthorized nautical installations. The measure is part of the compliance with the regulations that regulate docks, marinas, moorings and other structures in protected water bodies.

The work is being carried out progressively in areas where the presence of old installations has been detected, in some cases abandoned and without documentation. The Park administration emphasized that these interventions aim to organize public use and reduce environmental pressures on coastal ecosystems.

In recent operations, technical teams and park rangers toured various areas of the lake and associated rivers, identifying structures without permits that posed risks to both biodiversity and recreational navigation.

One of the main interventions took place on the coast near the Ñirihuau river. In this sector, park rangers found four cement and iron pillars installed without authorization. The pieces, which were firmly attached to the substrate, were removed through a specialized procedure.

The dismantling required appropriate tools and the participation of trained personnel due to the weight and age of the structure. The pillars had been placed without an environmental impact assessment or official registration.

In parallel, an investigation was initiated to determine the origin of a “dragon” type boat, approximately 12 meters long, located in the same coastal strip. The vessel lacks documentation and there is no information about its owner.

Removal of irregular moorings in the Campanario arm

Another significant operation was carried out in the Campanario arm. Tasks were undertaken there to remove irregular moorings, with the support of a local diver who provided equipment and technical expertise.

The structures, mostly installed with heavy materials and in a scattered manner, hindered circulation, affected underwater habitats, and had accumulated uncontrollably for years. Their extraction is part of a broader plan that aims to act in different sectors of the lake.

The Park administration explained that the presence of this type of unauthorized moorings increased over time, creating a scenario of disordered occupation of the lake space.

Regulatory framework and role of National Parks

The regulations of the National Parks Administration require that all nautical infrastructure have prior authorization. This regulation includes docks, ramps, moorings, and any type of intervention in public areas or water bodies of the national system.

It also establishes the obligation to conduct environmental impact assessments, especially in areas where sensitive ecosystems are conserved. Non-compliance constitutes an infringement that allows the immediate removal of unauthorized structures.

The measures adopted by Nahuel Huapi Park are framed within the national conservation criteria and international commitments to protect wetlands, forests, and Patagonian water bodies.

Environmental impacts of illegal structures

Irregular installations generate multiple negative impacts on coastal and aquatic environments. Many of these effects go unnoticed by visitors but are significant for the ecological stability of the protected area.

Cement bases modify the lake bed, compact the substrate, and alter the natural dynamics of the water. In shallow areas, these elements can destroy native plants and displace benthic species essential for the biological balance.

Artificial moorings, especially those constructed without technical criteria, release degraded materials and, during strong wind seasons, can detach or move, affecting the underwater fauna. Additionally, they often accumulate debris that adheres to rope, metal, and block remnants.

Abandoned vessels also pose risks due to possible leaks of fuels, paints, or lubricants, which introduce persistent pollutants into an ecosystem that depends on clean waters with low levels of human alteration.

Environmental and social benefits of removal

The removal of illegal structures provides direct benefits to the conservation of the Park. The restoration of the coasts allows aquatic species to recover feeding and breeding areas.

Cleaning the lake bed reduces risks for navigators, facilitates the management of recreational use, and improves the scenic quality of the environment. It also contributes to protecting underwater biodiversity, which supports part of the food chain of Nahuel Huapi.

On a larger scale, these actions strengthen community participation and promote a culture of responsible use of public space. Land use planning is key for nautical activities to be carried out safely, regulated, and with minimal environmental impact.

A long-term strategy

The Nahuel Huapi National Park plans to continue with periodic inspections and operations. The increase in recreational and tourist activity requires strengthening the control processes and updating permits.

The administration seeks to consolidate a management system that combines supervision, ecological restoration, and environmental education. The goal is to maintain the integrity of the lake landscape and ensure that future generations can enjoy clean waters and coasts free of improper occupations.

Collaboration with divers, technicians, and local specialists will allow expanding intervention areas, evaluating new affected zones, and advancing in the removal of structures that have been impacting the ecosystem for years without supervision.