«Navega #pocapoc» in the Sa Dragonera and Western Mallorca Islands Marine Reserves

The Regional Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Natural Environment, through the Directorate-General for Fisheries, has launched the “Navega #pocapoc” awareness campaign to publicise the new vessel speed regulations in the Sa Dragonera and Illes del Ponent de Mallorca Marine Reserves.

The campaign aims to inform boaters about the regulations currently in force and encourage more responsible navigation practices that help protect marine biodiversity, preserve fishing resources and improve the safety of everyone sharing these protected areas.

Under the slogan “Navega #pocapoc”, the initiative conveys a positive message based on shared responsibility rather than enforcement, with the aim of encouraging changes in behaviour among sea users. This approach reflects the campaign’s objectives: to raise awareness of the regulations, encourage compliance and highlight the effects of speed on marine life, fishing activity and coexistence at sea.

The Regional Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and the Natural Environment, Joan Simonet, stressed that “marine conservation is a shared responsibility. This campaign demonstrates that when public authorities, organisations, the fishing sector, the nautical sector and civil society work together, it is possible to promote initiatives that benefit both the marine environment and the people who use it.”

Simonet added that “reducing speed is a simple action with a significant impact. It means less underwater noise, a lower risk to marine wildlife and professional fishers, and safer, more respectful navigation within marine reserves that represent an outstanding natural heritage asset for the Balearic Islands.”

“Navega #pocapoc” is the result of an extensive collaborative process involving public authorities, different sectors and local stakeholders, environmental organisations, communication professionals and other parties connected with the marine reserves. This joint effort has made it possible to develop a campaign based on community involvement and the shared responsibility of all sea users, with the aim of protecting areas of major ecological and fisheries value.

The new vessel speed regulations in the Sa Dragonera and Illes del Ponent de Mallorca Marine Reserves represent a pioneering measure in the Balearic Islands, introduced in response to the need to reduce the impact of maritime traffic on biodiversity, fishing resources and navigational safety. Full information about the regulations and campaign materials is available at www.sadragonera.org/pocapoc