The Balearic Islands strengthen coastal surveillance with a cutting-edge underwater robot

The new device was presented during an inspection in Fornells as part of the Balearic coastal surveillance service.

The Govern de les Illes Balears, through the Sea and Water Cycle Counselling, presented today, Wednesday, August 27th, in Fornells, Menorca, a new remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) for the inspection of seabeds, port structures, and anchoring areas. The event was attended by the Conseller del Mar y del Ciclo del Agua, Juan Manuel Lafuente; the President of the Consell Insular de Menorca, Adolfo Vilafranca; the Director of the Menorca Biosphere Reserve, David Vidal; and the Director General of Ports and Maritime Transport, Antoni Mercant.

The new underwater robot, CHASING M2 PRO ROV, makes it possible to inspect in detail docks, breakwaters, and piers, as well as to check the condition of anchorages. The equipment can capture high-resolution images and videos, transmit maintenance or installation work in real time, and operate at depths of up to 300 meters thanks to its USBL acoustic positioning system, which guarantees maximum precision.

This ROV complements the comprehensive coastal surveillance system already deployed by Ports de les Illes Balears (PortsIB), which includes 22 vessels, a team of inspectors with sanctioning authority, a new control center that centralizes services and citizen assistance, and a drone that operates ten hours a day. With these resources, the Govern achieves unprecedented monitoring capacity.

During the presentation, the Conseller del Mar y del Ciclo del Agua, Juan Manuel Lafuente, highlighted: “For the first time, the Govern has a comprehensive system capable of monitoring the coastline with precision, combining technology and human resources in a coordinated way: vessels, inspectors, a control center, a drone, and an underwater robot. This system not only enables constant and efficient monitoring, but also reinforces our presence along the coast, ensuring continuous supervision and the ability to act quickly against possible irregularities, thereby guaranteeing the orderly and safe use of our waters.”

Meanwhile, the President of the Consell Insular de Menorca, Adolfo Vilafranca, emphasized: “From the island administration, we maintain a clear and tireless mission: to protect marine biodiversity and to ensure that Menorca, as a Biosphere Reserve, continues to be an example of environmental commitment. That is why we requested this effort from the Conselleria del Mar y del Ciclo del Agua on the island, which is clear proof and one more step toward a responsible and coordinated management model of our environment.”

The inspections carried out today, August 27th, in the waters of Fornells are part of the schedule established by the new coastal surveillance service, which provides for daily operations across all the islands, with special attention to anchoring areas and monitoring charter activity. In addition, the new service vessels assigned to Menorca will also support the surveillance of posidonia.

Since June, the Counselling has issued 82 reports for possible irregularities in nautical activities across all the islands, mainly related to expired or incorrectly filed declarations of responsibility and non-compliance in charter contracts. With greater presence, more inspections, and increased capacity for action, the Govern reinforces safety and order along the coast.