The San Matías Gulf, alongside Argentina’s central Río Negro province, has become a key site in national plans to export liquefied natural gas (LNG). However, the San Matías Gulf is an area of enormous ecological value, home to five national and provincial marine reserves. The San Matías Gulf was chosen because it is one of the few points on Argentina’s Atlantic coast with sufficient depth and a direct connection to Vaca Muerta. Several sources consulted by Dialogue Earth have pointed out that environmental assessments of fossil fuel projects in the San Matías Gulf are fragmented. It runs to Punta Colorada, a town located between two protected areas in the San Matías Gulf.

Source: Bueno Aires Herald January 25, 2026 22:17 UTC