The Government of the Balearic Islands has launched a new Posidonia Surveillance Service campaign aimed at reinforcing the conservation of one of the archipelago’s most valuable marine ecosystems. From 1 June until 10 October, a fleet of twenty vessels is carrying out prevention and information tasks to prevent anchoring over Posidonia oceanica meadows, which cover almost 650 square kilometres throughout the islands.

Managed by the Balearic Institute of Nature, the operation has been organised according to the specific needs of each island and works in coordination with island councils, natural parks, marine reserves, environmental agents and other competent authorities. In addition to surveillance duties, the service undertakes environmental monitoring, marine wildlife assistance, bird censuses and awareness campaigns aimed at both the nautical sector and the general public.

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Posidonia protection in the Balearic Islands: twenty vessels strengthen surveillance across the four islands

The campaign includes new technological tools designed to improve patrol planning and strengthen prevention efforts. Location systems and mapping applications help sailors identify suitable anchoring areas, reducing the impact on a habitat that plays a key role in marine biodiversity and coastal protection.

Data from the previous season show a positive trend, with a significant increase in interventions and a reduction in illegal anchoring incidents to their lowest level since the creation of the service. Formentera continues to record the fewest incidents, while some areas of Mallorca and Ibiza experience greater nautical pressure.

In this context, Menorca hosted the final conference of the Interreg Euro-MED ARTEMIS project between 8 and 10 June in Ciutadella. The meeting brought together administrations, international organisations and research centres from across the Mediterranean to address the challenges associated with the restoration and sustainable management of seagrass meadows.

The conference further strengthened the position of the Balearic Islands as a Mediterranean benchmark in marine conservation. During the event, participants learned about initiatives developed in the archipelago, including the Posidonia Surveillance Service and the Cala Blanca seagrass restoration project in Menorca, both of which reflect the islands’ commitment to protecting and restoring coastal ecosystems.