The Balearic Blue Deal: a consensus that leaves its mark, with much work still to be done

Over 200 organisations and companies make progress in protecting the Balearic Islands’ marine environment

The Balearic Blue Deal, a project launched in 2023 to bring together the voices of Balearic society in support of marine conservation, is now entering its final phase following the progress made by the over 200 signatory organisations and companies in protecting the Balearic Sea.

In 2023, the environmental organisations, social organisations, and local stakeholders who signed the Balearic Blue Deal called on the authorities to draw up a roadmap centred on five proposals:

1. Create a network of marine sanctuaries covering 10% of the Balearic Sea.
2. Implement conservation and recovery plans for vulnerable habitats and species.
3. Ensure sustainable fishing and put an end to poaching and illegal trade.
4. Improve the quality of our coastal waters.
5. Invest a minimum of 1% of the public budget in marine conservation.

As a result of the work spearheaded by the members of the Blue Deal, in February 2026 the government presented the Marine Conservation Plan, a document that includes commitments such as the creation of 600 km² of integral marine reserves, the strengthening of protection for marine ecosystems, and the improvement of the management of protected areas. The government has also approved an Action Plan for the Conservation of Sharks and Rays and is working on protection measures for particularly vulnerable habitats such as shallow marine areas.

These initiatives mark a milestone in placing marine conservation on the political agenda. Nevertheless, some challenges have been left out, some of the targets are far from being met, and there is no commitment to funding. Marilles will continue to work with Balearic society to raise the ambition of these proposals, to ensure that all their actions are implemented, and to guarantee that they are provided with the necessary resources to have a real impact on the marine ecosystems of the Balearic Islands.