The Balearic Nautical Data Validates Sailors, Out of 100,000 Anchorages Checked, Nearly 95% are Corr

The Posidonia Surveillance Service, dependent on the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Natural Environment, has concluded this season with a total of 129,497 actions in the Balearic Islands.

This year, the Service has been notable for its technological improvements and strengthened coordination and collaboration with both local and national authorities. Despite adverse weather conditions during the months of June, August, and September, which reduced the arrival of some foreign vessels, the posidonia surveillance service and the use of cartographic applications have been crucial in optimizing anchoring, especially for large-length vessels. Additionally, the Posidonia Center, in coordination with the Posidonia Hotline, have played an essential role, managing more than four hundred inquiries from the nautical sector and citizen complaints.

In this sense, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Natural Environment, Joan Simonet, wanted to emphasize that "this year we have made progress in protecting our posidonia meadows, enhancing coordination and the use of new technologies, which has allowed for more efficient management and quicker responses. International visits, moreover, confirm that we are on the right track to improve the conservation of this valuable habitat, not only in the Balearic Islands but also throughout the Mediterranean," he added.

The Service, which is funded by the Next Generation EU Funds, started on May 15 and ended this Thursday, October 10. A total of 19 vessels have been deployed during the season, carrying out the following actions: in Mallorca, six vessels, 54,888 actions; in Ibiza, four vessels, 24,221 actions; in Formentera, five vessels, 46,748 actions; and in Menorca, three vessels, along with one from the S’Albufera des Grau Natural Park, 3,640 operations.

In total, 99,154 anchorages were checked. From these checks, 6,764 vessels had to be relocated for anchoring with an anchor or chain on the posidonia. The percentage of incorrect anchorages was 6.8% in the Balearic Islands (12.4% in Mallorca, 11.8% in Menorca, 10.3% in Ibiza, and 1% in Formentera), reflecting good behavior from the nautical sector, especially among local sailors. Nevertheless, it remains necessary to reinforce this service in some areas to maintain the collective effort to protect this valuable marine ecosystem.

In this regard, the areas with the most impact in the Balearic Islands are concentrated in Ibiza, especially in Porroig, Cala Jondal, and the Bay of Sant Antoni. In Mallorca, the areas of Calvià, Andratx, and Alcanada stand out, with specific pressures in Port de Sóller and Portocolom. In Menorca, the pressure in Fornells, Cala Pregonda, Isla del Aire, Cala En Tosqueta, Calascoves, Binissafúller, and Binibeca is notable, generally with smaller-length vessels.

It should be noted that this year the environmental agents of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Natural Environment have increased their participation in the Posidonia Surveillance Service operations, joining the surveillance vessels in a record number of outings, which has enhanced their presence at sea, contributing to the awareness, education, and sensitization of users for the conservation of this protected species in our marine environment.

The total balance has been 43 reports issued. This intensification of efforts has enabled joint operations with other authorities, such as the Civil Guard and agents of the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO), who are also present in the Balearic Islands.