The APB boosts a key tool to preserve marine biodiversity of the port of Mahón

The portuary organism tenders for a pioneer study to get to know and preserve the sensitive habitats and species of the port, with an investment superior to 330.000 euros.

The Portuary Authority of the Balearic Islands (APB) takes a decisive step to protect the species that live in the port of Mahón with the bidding of the cartography of the distribution of sensitive habitats and species of its marine seafloor. The project, which has an investment of 330.000 euros, will allow having a scientific tool essential for planning the future of the port with respect for the environment.

The port of Mahón, one of the major natural ports of the Mediterranean, presents environmental singularities that turn it into a high value ecological space. With this study, the APP will be able to know precisely which species live in its waters, where they can be found and in which conditions they are, ensuring that any future performance takes protection and conservation of this unique space into account.

The resulting cartography will be used as base for the decision making, the planning of new performances and the environmental tracking on long-term, reinforcing a responsible, sustainable and aligned portuary management with the current environmental law.

In addition, the project goes further than the elaboration of the cartography, which already expects the organization of technical and informative sessions open to the diffusion of the results. The goal is bringing civilians and professionals of generated knowledge closer and favoring that performances and infrastructure works in the port of Mahón are developed with more information, care and respect for the marine environment.

This initiative has its origin in previous experiences in the portuary area, when it was necessary to stop a performance in Cala Corb by detecting the presence of a species of endemic coral of the area. This knowledge reinforced the importance of anticipating and having detailed and rigorous information that allows juggling th portuary activity with the preservation of the marine environment.

The period for the presentation of the requests to get the bidding will remain open until March 2nd. With this project, the Portuary Authority of the Balearic Islands reaffirms its commitment with the protection of marine biodiversity and with a portuary development model that takes care of the environment that makes it possible.