Thai 'Vayu' takes the lead of the Puerto Portals 52 SUPER SERIES Sailing Week

The operation began on May 1st and will run until September 30th, with routes covering the main stretches of coastline across the archipelago.

The Government of the Balearic Islands yesterday, Sunday, May 4th, presented the coastal cleaning campaign for the 2026 season, an operation comprising 23 vessels financed through the Sustainable Tourism Tax (ITS). The service began on May 1 and will continue until September 30.

The presentation was attended by the Director General for Ports and Maritime Transport, Toni Mercant, and the manager of PortsIB, Kico Villalonga.

The operation consolidates a structure of 15 beach-type vessels and 8 coastal-type vessels, which work in a coordinated manner to operate both in areas close to the shore and in more distant zones, with the aim of removing floating waste and preserving the environmental quality of the Balearic coastline.

The routes are organised from different base ports distributed throughout the territory. In Mallorca, the vessels operate from Palma, Andratx, Sóller, Pollença, Alcúdia, Cala Rajada, Portocolom, Cala d’Or and Colònia de Sant Jordi; in Menorca, from Ciutadella, Fornells, Maó and Cala Galdana; in Ibiza, from the port of Ibiza, Sant Antoni and Santa Eulària; and in Formentera, from La Savina.

This distribution makes it possible to efficiently cover the main stretches of coastline, including port areas, coves and spaces of high environmental value.

The beach-type vessels are designed to operate in shallow waters, especially in coves and beaches, while the coastal-type vessels can work beyond the shoreline, between 1 and 5 nautical miles offshore, with greater collection capacity and a better response to adverse sea conditions.

The Director General for Ports and Maritime Transport, Toni Mercant, highlighted that “the coastal cleaning campaign is an essential service to guarantee the environmental quality of the Balearic Sea and the safety of navigation, and reflects the Government’s firm commitment to preserving the marine environment.”

The coastal cleaning service removed 36.8 tonnes of waste from the coasts of the Balearic Islands during the 2025 season, with a total of 36,804.57 kilos collected, representing a 32% increase compared with the previous year.

The campaign, carried out between May and September, helped maintain environmental quality and safety in the islands’ coastal and port areas, with a daily average of 269.39 kilos of waste removed.

By island, Mallorca recorded the highest collection figure with 17,520.20 kg, followed by Ibiza with 9,598.20 kg, Menorca with 6,019.27 kg and Formentera with 3,666.90 kg.

In terms of waste type, plastic was the predominant material, accounting for 44.27% of the total, followed by wood with 33.67%, while the remainder corresponded to other materials in smaller proportions.

With this campaign, the Government reaffirms its commitment to protecting the marine environment and maintaining the quality of the waters and coastline of the Balearic Islands, as essential elements of the archipelago’s natural heritage.

The public is reminded of the importance of not leaving waste in the marine environment and of using the coastline responsibly in order to contribute to its conservation.