Twelve organisations have submitted proposals to improve the management and conservation of shallow waters

Twelve conservation organisations from the Balearic Islands (including Marilles Founation) have jointly submitted comments on the draft Action Plan for the Conservation of the Shallow Marine Areas of the Balearic Islands. Through these submissions, we are calling for this plan ‒which is currently being processed by the regional government ‒ to be a genuine action plan and, as such, to incorporate specific measures, include a budgetary commitment and a timetable for action.

We also request that it incorporate the monitoring of more key and vulnerable species, ensure public participation, and include measures to mitigate the pressures affecting these areas.

One of our proposals outlined is to establish criteria to classify shallow-water areas. Furthermore, we call for a baseline study to take into account both their ecological status and the pressures and impacts to which they are subjected.

With regard to monitoring, monitoring protocols are needed for habitat-forming species, such as Posidonia, Cystoseira s.l., Cymodocea nodosa (known as ‘algueró’), and the coral Cladocora caespitosa, which is endemic to the Mediterranean and found in shallow waters. Furthermore, we call for the inclusion of other key species such as sea urchins, Pinna nobilis, Pinna rudis, seahorses, and pipefish. We also request that the monitoring programme include water quality analysis.

We propose changes that would lead to the plan’s improved governance and transparency. In this regard,  more representatives from conservation organisations must be included on the forthcoming advisory committee for shallow marine areas.

As regards the pressures affecting these marine areas, the plan includes measures such as regulating anchoring and navigation speeds and controlling invasive species. We propose establishing a timeline for action and adding new measures, for example to prevent the discharge of contaminated water from beaching areas and improve the sewerage networks that discharge wastewater into these areas.

Furthermore, we call for specific actions to restore these areas, such as interventions to mitigate pressures and streamle the process for obtaining permits for proposed projects. We also propose including a section on outreach and awareness-raising activities, to improve public understanding of these areas, and a financial commitment to enable the plan’s implementation.

The importance of shallow marine areas
The signatory organisations view the drafting of the Action Plan for the Conservation of Shallow Marine Areas very favourably, as it represents an important step towards promoting policies to ensure conservation. These areas are essential for the health of marine ecosystems. However, despite harbouring a wealth of habitats and being vital spaces for the growth of many species, they are subject to multiple pressures that affect their conservation status.

The signatory organisations are Arrels Marines, GEN-GOB, GOB Mallorca, GOB Menorca, GOB Formentera, the Cleanwave Foundation, the Mediterranean Initiatives Foundation, Marilles Foundation, Salvem Portocolom, Salvem sa Badia de Portmany, Save the Med, and SEO/BirdLife.

You can view the full submissions here.

Further information:
- The Marine Conservation Plan presented by the government of the Balearic Islands in February 2026 includes a commitment to fund 50% of completed restoration plans for shallow bays.
- Three restoration plans have already been drawn up by Menorca Institute of Studies ‒ Socio-Environmental Observatory of Menorca (IME-OBSAM), providing a reference methodology that includes a baseline study.