aquatom
Well-Known Member
There is a new law to protect the poseidonia sea weed here in the Balearics. Anyone caught anchoring in the sea weed or even the anchor chain touching the weed could face a €2000 fine
New Balearic Islands law effective from today.
- Thread starter aquatom
- Start date
julians
Well-Known Member
Have you got a link to anything official?
That may explain something I saw last week, I was anchoring in cala fornells in Mallorca at the same time as a 60 ish foot sunseeker, the calvia council rib came round and told the sunseeker he couldnt anchor there, I didn't catch why not. But the council rib didn't stop me (7.5m boat) from anchoring.
I had read that this rule only applies to boats over 12m,which might explain why I wasn't told not to anchor.
That may explain something I saw last week, I was anchoring in cala fornells in Mallorca at the same time as a 60 ish foot sunseeker, the calvia council rib came round and told the sunseeker he couldnt anchor there, I didn't catch why not. But the council rib didn't stop me (7.5m boat) from anchoring.
I had read that this rule only applies to boats over 12m,which might explain why I wasn't told not to anchor.
aquatom
Well-Known Member
Just seen it on the ib3 news.
RupertW
Well-Known Member
They need a BORG but I think have gone along with the fashion not the evidence.
julians
Well-Known Member
Translation from Ultima hours today
The Balearic Government has approved this Friday the decree of conservation to protect the 650 square kilometers of posidonia marine that there is in Balearic waters, reason why the islands "become pioneers in Europe" in the safeguard of this marine plant.
In the Balearic Islands is 50% of the posidonia that there is in the Spanish coasts, has stood out this Friday after the Consell of Govern the conseller of Environment, Agriculture and Fishing, Vicenç Vidal, that has expressed his satisfaction by the approval of this decree which includes sanctions ranging from 100 euros to 2 million.
"Today is a very important day" for the Balearic Islands, for the protection of this endemic seagrass plant of the Mediterranean Sea of an "extraordinary biological" importance with extensive meadows around the Balearic Islands, he said.
It is the most widespread marine vegetation in coastal waters of the Balearic Islands, which is located between 0 and 35 meters deep and reaches up to 43 meters in the Maritime Terrestrial National Park of the Cabrera Archipelago.
Vidal has reported that, with this decree of protection, the Balearic Islands are "pioneers" in Europe for the fact of guaranteeing the conservation of this plant.
The conseller wanted to review that the autonomous community has since "only two years ago" of an exclusive device for the protection of the posidonea and monitor the anchorages of the ships. "There have never been so many resources for the protection of Posidonia," he claimed.
Prohibitions
The decree prohibits trawling, aggregate removal, dumping of dredged material and uncontrolled anchoring. Likewise, new aquaculture facilities, new subsea outfalls and new works are included in this regime in those cases in which the corresponding environmental processing determines that they may have negative effects on the posidonia.
The use to be made of posidonia remains is also regulated. The withdrawal, possession, transport and use of dead posidonia remains on natural beaches without services is prohibited, with the exception of practices destined to traditional uses and with manual methods.
On the other hand, it can be authorized on natural beaches with services determining the method and extraction zones, according to the environmental and geomorphological characteristics of the place.
As for urban beaches, and for socioeconomic reasons, their withdrawal is allowed following the manual of good practices that includes the same decree.
On the other hand, the Posidonia Committee, a permanent advisory committee with representation of the administrations and interested sectors that will meet at least once every six months, is created as a collegiate body.
The decree establishes that the conselleria must map the existing posidonia meadows in the Balearic Islands, in accordance with the best available technical and scientific information.
The cartographic delimitations and their cataloging will be incorporated into information systems accessible to navigators and the general public and nautical charts.
The sanctioning regime is established through the Law for the conservation of spaces of environmental relevance (LECO) and Law 42/2007, of natural heritage and biodiversity.
In the first case, the penalties can be from 100 to 450,000 euros, while the state regulation collects fines of 100 euros to 2 million euros.
On the other hand, the decree also foresees the creation of the Posidonia Fund, which will be nourished by the contributions made by the autonomous community, other administrations, companies, associations, etc., and compensatory measures for actions that affect the habitat and the species .
It also establishes the continuation of the informative and awareness-raising task, in addition to the preparation of a plan to monitor the general condition of the grasslands.
The Balearic Government has approved this Friday the decree of conservation to protect the 650 square kilometers of posidonia marine that there is in Balearic waters, reason why the islands "become pioneers in Europe" in the safeguard of this marine plant.
In the Balearic Islands is 50% of the posidonia that there is in the Spanish coasts, has stood out this Friday after the Consell of Govern the conseller of Environment, Agriculture and Fishing, Vicenç Vidal, that has expressed his satisfaction by the approval of this decree which includes sanctions ranging from 100 euros to 2 million.
"Today is a very important day" for the Balearic Islands, for the protection of this endemic seagrass plant of the Mediterranean Sea of an "extraordinary biological" importance with extensive meadows around the Balearic Islands, he said.
It is the most widespread marine vegetation in coastal waters of the Balearic Islands, which is located between 0 and 35 meters deep and reaches up to 43 meters in the Maritime Terrestrial National Park of the Cabrera Archipelago.
Vidal has reported that, with this decree of protection, the Balearic Islands are "pioneers" in Europe for the fact of guaranteeing the conservation of this plant.
The conseller wanted to review that the autonomous community has since "only two years ago" of an exclusive device for the protection of the posidonea and monitor the anchorages of the ships. "There have never been so many resources for the protection of Posidonia," he claimed.
Prohibitions
The decree prohibits trawling, aggregate removal, dumping of dredged material and uncontrolled anchoring. Likewise, new aquaculture facilities, new subsea outfalls and new works are included in this regime in those cases in which the corresponding environmental processing determines that they may have negative effects on the posidonia.
The use to be made of posidonia remains is also regulated. The withdrawal, possession, transport and use of dead posidonia remains on natural beaches without services is prohibited, with the exception of practices destined to traditional uses and with manual methods.
On the other hand, it can be authorized on natural beaches with services determining the method and extraction zones, according to the environmental and geomorphological characteristics of the place.
As for urban beaches, and for socioeconomic reasons, their withdrawal is allowed following the manual of good practices that includes the same decree.
On the other hand, the Posidonia Committee, a permanent advisory committee with representation of the administrations and interested sectors that will meet at least once every six months, is created as a collegiate body.
The decree establishes that the conselleria must map the existing posidonia meadows in the Balearic Islands, in accordance with the best available technical and scientific information.
The cartographic delimitations and their cataloging will be incorporated into information systems accessible to navigators and the general public and nautical charts.
The sanctioning regime is established through the Law for the conservation of spaces of environmental relevance (LECO) and Law 42/2007, of natural heritage and biodiversity.
In the first case, the penalties can be from 100 to 450,000 euros, while the state regulation collects fines of 100 euros to 2 million euros.
On the other hand, the decree also foresees the creation of the Posidonia Fund, which will be nourished by the contributions made by the autonomous community, other administrations, companies, associations, etc., and compensatory measures for actions that affect the habitat and the species .
It also establishes the continuation of the informative and awareness-raising task, in addition to the preparation of a plan to monitor the general condition of the grasslands.
RobbieW
Well-Known Member
The Balearic eelgrass is a different variety to Studland having a much longer recovery time from damage however caused.
jrudge
Well-Known Member
I was turfed out if Cala ferrera next to Cala Dor 2 days ago.
The most popular Anchorage’s are now empty and mondrago was packed.
There are quite a few clear sandy Cala but also many with weed so they are creating an issue.
Personally I am very sceptical there is any damage done. The extent of weed is identical over the 5 years I have been here. It is not as though we now have sandy bottom Cala as all the weed has gone. Further the extent of weed in the Cala will be a Tiny percentage of the total.
When this all started they put in free bouys.
Then they charged for the bouys
Now most of those bouys have gone. A few bouy fields remain.
To cut of large numbers of Cala and make no alternative available ( for which they will charge ) seems to suggest the overall anti tourist theme in Mallorca now includes boats.
In Croatia there are bouy fields everywhere run by the local bars etc.
There is no fighting the environmental lobby so it is what it is but from my personal point of view of what I actually see in the sea (I am not an expert just someone who does not see weed shrinking ) I am sceptical
The most popular Anchorage’s are now empty and mondrago was packed.
There are quite a few clear sandy Cala but also many with weed so they are creating an issue.
Personally I am very sceptical there is any damage done. The extent of weed is identical over the 5 years I have been here. It is not as though we now have sandy bottom Cala as all the weed has gone. Further the extent of weed in the Cala will be a Tiny percentage of the total.
When this all started they put in free bouys.
Then they charged for the bouys
Now most of those bouys have gone. A few bouy fields remain.
To cut of large numbers of Cala and make no alternative available ( for which they will charge ) seems to suggest the overall anti tourist theme in Mallorca now includes boats.
In Croatia there are bouy fields everywhere run by the local bars etc.
There is no fighting the environmental lobby so it is what it is but from my personal point of view of what I actually see in the sea (I am not an expert just someone who does not see weed shrinking ) I am sceptical
julians
Well-Known Member
When they kicked you out did they explain any more about the rules? Like whether it only applies to boats over a certain size etc?
When I was in cala fornells I was anchored in weed (as were many others) but it was only the large sunseeker that got told to move on.
jrudge
Well-Known Member
No. He didn’t speak English but did say too big. I pointed out I had anchored there many times and we then established it was weed related.
Shame as was my favourite Cala pretty much anywhere.
Shame as was my favourite Cala pretty much anywhere.
julians
Well-Known Member
hmm, this could be a big problem, If they start doing this everywhere it will kill boating in the balearics.
I have read somewhere that it applies to boats over 12m, but its prob only a matter of time until they start to lower that size limit.
Time to come up with an innovative solution for 'anchoring' boats without digging something into the ground.....
jrudge
Well-Known Member
I am currently in portals vels. Most popular Palma anchorage
I would not say it is weedy. The sea bed is not always bright blue! However put on a mask and it is 50% weed 50% sand ( well the bit is am over at this second is ) so where do you stop.
Most areas have some weed. A pure sandy Cala is the exception not the norm.
Also Is all weed Poseidon or just some of it ? I don’t know
I would not say it is weedy. The sea bed is not always bright blue! However put on a mask and it is 50% weed 50% sand ( well the bit is am over at this second is ) so where do you stop.
Most areas have some weed. A pure sandy Cala is the exception not the norm.
Also Is all weed Poseidon or just some of it ? I don’t know
Bouba
Well-Known Member
Mercury Skyhook
PalmaTarga
Well-Known Member
Hi Jrudge. We were in Vells for much of last week. It seems that at present, just being careful where you drop your anchor is what they are watching around the island. It's ok if your chain lays over the poseidonia just ensure that your anchor is on sand and doesn't drag when lifted. That is why one boat may be spoken to and not another anchored close by. I have heard Vells will have 20 buoys next season and boats will be limited to that.
There is info here (in spanish) and pdf on the site explaining why conservation of the weed is important. http://www.balearslifeposidonia.eu/index.php
There is info here (in spanish) and pdf on the site explaining why conservation of the weed is important. http://www.balearslifeposidonia.eu/index.php
TonyR123
Well-Known Member
Interesting as I also got told to move in Vells a few weeks back. Since then I have tried to anchor over sand and it can be done in vells if you anchor on the south side or in the middle. Vells was def not empty last time I was there (Monday) and a 100ft+ boat anchored where I got told to move the previous week. When told to move I was given a leaflet.
PalmaTarga
Well-Known Member
There are plenty of sandy spots between poseidonia all across Vells (we were also there on monday). It's crazy busy and it seems to be pretty law-less with not much common sense when it comes to anchoring. We got there for 9am and it was perfect, anchoring close to the restaurant beach with only a handful of yachts in the bay. Getting in close early on does come with challenges when wanting to leave mid afternoon after the wind has changed direction though.
julians
Well-Known Member
I might have to start getting up early to get an anchoring spot if they're going to limit you to anchoring in sand only.
PalmaTarga
Well-Known Member
The limit is already in place. Sand only for the anchor or risk a fine. Morning and evening are the best times on the water anyways 
julians
Well-Known Member
The limit is already in place. Sand only for the anchor or risk a fine. Morning and evening are the best times on the water anyways
They must have only started enforcing this this summer, I've been boating in Mallorca for something like 25-30 years and have never been moved on because of anchoring in the weed.
PalmaTarga
Well-Known Member
We are new to the area which may be why we have been informed by the broker etc. You are correct, it's new this year.
More info at http://www.caib.es/sites/cuidamposidonia/ca/introduccia/?campa=yes (spanish only)
More info at http://www.caib.es/sites/cuidamposidonia/ca/introduccia/?campa=yes (spanish only)
julians
Well-Known Member
Thanks for that link. From that link it has maps where they say the posidonia is, but the places were talking about on this thread , IE portals vells,cala fornells etc are not shown as an area of posidonia on those maps.