Balearic Islands: Environmental organisations are calling for binding regulations for shallow marine areas

The Action Plan for the shallow marine areas of the Balearic Islands is still under consideration. The public consultation ran from 10 to 30 September 2026. On 5 October, twelve environmental organisations published their joint objections to the draft. They welcome the general approach, but consider the proposed measures to be insufficient in the absence of binding implementation targets.

What the associations want to change in the action plan

The organisations are calling for a specific list of measures, a timetable and a financial commitment. The first step is to carry out an assessment to determine the ecological status of the shallow coastal waters and the pressures to which they are exposed. The criteria for monitoring them are also to be established.

When it comes to monitoring, the organisations wish to go beyond the habitats mentioned so far. Among other things, the survey will examine seagrass beds, algal communities, the Mediterranean coral Cladocora caespitosa, sea urchins, barnacles, as well as seahorses and pipefish. Water quality is also to be tested regularly. The statement issued by the participating nature conservation organisations also calls for greater involvement of the associations in the planned advisory commission.

What consequences might this have for sailors?

​For sailors, the future regulation of anchorage points is of particular relevance. The draft already provides for a review of anchorage points and speed limits in sensitive areas. The associations are now calling, above all, for clarification on when and how these findings will be translated into concrete measures. It is therefore a question of implementing existing planning approaches, not of an anchoring or navigation ban that has come into immediate effect as a result of the objections.

The following illustrates just how varied the situation on the ground can be: Planned regulation of mooring off Pollença. A buoy field is being set up there; no date for its commissioning had yet been set in the plans drawn up so far. When presenting the island-wide action plan, the Balearic Islands Government emphasised that measures should be tailored to the specific area. This should not automatically result in new, blanket bans.

The associations also see a need for action regarding polluted discharges from shipyard and slipway areas, as well as in relation to wastewater disposal. Damaged habitats are to be restored in a targeted manner. It remains to be seen whether, and in what form, the government will adopt these proposals.

In your view, what rules governing anchoring in sensitive coves in the Balearic Islands would be effective whilst also being practical to implement?