The hidden landscape: Maritime cultural heritage of the Salas y Gómez and Nazca ridges with implications for conservation on the high seas

The human history of the waters surrounding the Salas y Gómez and Nazca ridges is rich and culturally diverse. This ranges from indigenous cultures who first ventured to this remote region close to a thousand years ago to the period of European colonial exploration, as well as the rise of the modern global economy. Voyaging, fishing, and the transportation of commodities across these remote waters left signs of the human history of exploration and exploitation. A deep understanding of this rich history is critical to effectively managing its marine resources, since natural and cultural resources are intrinsically intertwined in many cultures. While most of the Salas y Gómez and Nazca ridges are located in areas beyond national jurisdiction, there has been recent interest to protect this remote region by governments, intergovernmental organizations, and the scientific community. This study provides a synthesis of the maritime heritage and cultural resources of the Salas y Gómez and Nazca ridges in order to guide future conservation, management, scientific, and public outreach efforts in this region. While uninhabited, several communities have profound connections to these remote waters, particularly communities on the islands of Rapa Nui, Juan Fernández, as well as the Peruvian and Chilean continental coasts. These communities in particular should be appropriately engaged during all development phases of the proposed protected area, as these relationships are critical to not only building interest and support, but also to developing conservation strategies that are socially responsible and equitable. While this review summarizes what we know about the maritime heritage and cultural resources of the Salas y Gómez and Nazca ridges, several knowledge gaps remain. Activities addressing those knowledge gaps should be incorporated in the design and eventual management of the proposed protected area, including research, education and outreach aimed at better understanding and appreciating the cultural significance of the region. The Salas y Gómez and Nazca ridges provide a rare opportunity to protect and study a globally significant area on the high seas, while also providing a window into the profound relationships between people and the sea.