‘Surfing for Science’ detects a high presence of microplastics in Portmany Bay

The results of the first phase of the Surfing for Science project in Ibiza leave no room for doubt: Portmany Bay shows a high presence of microplastics. After six months of sampling carried out by students from IES Balàfia, analyses by the University of Barcelona (UB) detected average concentrations of 0.99 items per square metre, with worrying peaks of up to 2.77 in some areas.

The study, carried out between November 2025 and April 2026, involved the active participation of 20 students from the Natural Environment Guiding course. These “citizen scientists” surveyed the coastline by kayak and paddleboard, towing special nets designed to capture particles smaller than five millimetres.

The semi-enclosed shape of Portmany Bay, combined with intense nautical and port activity, appears to be the perfect combination for the accumulation of these materials.

According to Oriol Uviedo, a UB technician, the data make it possible to identify not only the quantity, but also the type and origin of waste that directly affects the growth and health of marine organisms.

From IES Balàfia, teacher Daniel Picorelli expressed his pride in the commitment shown by students who have combined sport with scientific rigour.

For its part, IbizaPreservation, through Elisa Langley, linked these findings to the Tejiendo Futuro report, reminding us that tourism and maritime activity continue to be the main sources of waste on the seabed in the Balearic Islands.

The project does not stop here. After a summer break, sampling will resume in September and continue until April 2027 in order to build a solid database that will help design real solutions for the island.