Balearic Government launches the process to expand the Els Freus Marine Reserve in Formentera waters

The proposal, promoted by the Island Council of Formentera and backed by the island’s fishing sector, aims to strengthen the protection and sustainability of marine resources.

The Balearic Government announced today, Tuesday 24th of February, the start of the prior public consultation process for the draft decree to expand the Els Freus Marine Reserve in Formentera waters. The initiative was proposed by the Island Council of Formentera and has the majority support of the island’s fishing sector.

The initiative stems from a consensus reached in Formentera between the island administration, the Fishermen’s Guild, and representatives of the recreational fishing sector. Its objective is to reinforce the protection and improvement of fishery resources in Formentera waters, which are already in a good state of conservation. The proposal was formally submitted to the Balearic Government in November 2025 following a process of dialogue and collaboration with the different stakeholders involved.

The regulatory project предусматривает an amendment to Decree 63/1999 of 28 May, which established the Ibiza and Formentera Els Freus Marine Reserve, in order to implement the expansion within the Formentera area. It also includes targeted amendments to Decree 38/2018 to harmonise recreational fishing regulations across marine reserves in Formentera waters, facilitating understanding and enforcement.

In addition, the text incorporates several modifications to Decree 15/2022 of 16 May, which established the Management Plan for Professional Artisanal Fishing in the Internal Waters of the Pityusic Islands, following proposals from the Monitoring Committee. Among other measures, the draft provides for updating the committee’s composition, introducing a minimum size for amberjack, and adjusting regulations concerning lobster net deployment.

With this expansion, the Government responds to an explicit request from both the Island Council of Formentera and the local fishing sector, which considers that extending the Marine Reserve will help ensure the sustainability of fishing activities and the long-term conservation of marine resources in Formentera waters.

The launch of the prior public consultation opens a period during which citizens, representative organisations, and potentially affected sectors may submit comments or suggestions electronically via the Government’s Citizen Participation Portal.