New Coastal Waters Monitoring Service in the Balearic Islands

Ports de les Illes Balears (Ports IB), a public entity under the Ministry of the Sea and Water Cycle, will launch a new service for the monitoring, inspection, and control of coastal waters, aimed at strengthening coastal protection and ensuring more efficient management of maritime spaces.

On Friday, July 4th, the Consell de Govern authorized the start of the expenditure process required to formalize a management assignment to internal resources, with a budget of €1,805,546.26 (VAT exempt), funded by Ports IB's own resources and the Sustainable Tourism Tax (ITS).

This new operation falls under the powers granted to Ports IB by Decree Law 3/2024 of May 24, on urgent measures for administrative simplification and streamlining. This legal framework amends Article 21 of Law 10/2005, assigning Ports IB responsibilities for the monitoring, inspection, cleaning, preservation, and improvement of coastal water quality within the scope of regional authority.

As part of this assignment, Ports IB will deploy ten newly acquired semi-rigid boats, measuring between 7.5 and 8 meters in length, each equipped with two 150 HP engines. These vessels will be distributed among different ports across the islands to ensure effective coastal coverage. The first boats are expected to arrive this July and will operate as logistical platforms for maritime authorities in charge of inspecting and controlling the coastal public domain.

In addition to authorized inspection staff, the service will include technical support personnel, responsible for skippering the boats, performing maintenance tasks, handling administrative procedures, monitoring activities within work zones, and collaborating with Ports IB's technical and inspection teams.

This new operational structure will enable more effective monitoring, control, and conservation of coastal waters—an essential area for environmental protection, maritime safety, and the harmonious use of coastal areas. With this initiative, Ports IB takes a significant step forward in its role as coastal manager and reaffirms its commitment to sustainability and public service.