The Balearics reinforce the conservation of the marine reserves and lobster fishing

During the encounter, the Counselling of Agriculture, Fishing and Natural Environment has informed that the new fast boat with base in Pollença, destined to reinforcing vigilance in the bays of Pollença and Alcúdia, the cap de Formentor and the channel of Menorca, will be active for the 2026 season.

The Counsellor of Agriculture, Fishing and Natural Environment, through the Directorate General of Fishing, celebrated yesterday, September 29th, in Ciutadella the third reunion of the Tracking Commission of the marine reserves of Menorca, which includes the reserves of the North of Menorca and the isla de l’Aire, as well as the first reunion of the Comanagement Commission of the Management Plan of  lobster fishing.

These encounters are settled in the strategy of the Government to guarantee the conservation of marine ecosystems and sustainability of fishing resources as well as for boosting the active participation of the implied fields. In this sense, it is important to remember that the Tracking Commission is formed by representatives of the public administrations (Government, Insular Counselling of Menorca and town halls), of the professional fishing and recreational field, of the diving centers, the nautical clubs, the scientific institutions and the conservative entities.

During the journey, vigilance data and scientific tracking of the civilizations of fish in the isla de l’Aire have been presented, as well as the proposal of the Government to refund the normative of the reserve of the North of Menorca and the proposal of the Town Hall of Sant Lluís to regulate the speed of the vessels in the isla de l’Aire. The works of the Forum of the Social and Participative Governance have also been exposed for the marine reserve of the isla de l’Aire. In addition, the GOB of Menorca has presented a series of normative improvement proposals.

“The marine reserves are the base to guarantee the sustainability of our ecosystems and artisanal fishing. The participative management allows combining conservation and economic activity, securing that the future generation can keep enjoying a healthy and productive sea”, has affirmed during the session the general director of Fishing, Antoni M. Grau.

On the other hand, the inaugural reunion of the fishing Management Plan of the lobster (Palinurus spp.), approved in October of 2024, has been used to analyze the 2025 season. This species, essential for the small fishing gear fleet of the archipelago, keeps their specific fishery thanks to the coresponsibility of the sector and the measures of established conservation, such as the 7 months ban. During the recent season, 162 ships have captured and commercialized 40.071 kg of red lobster, with a value in first sale of 2’5 million of euros.

“The good results of the 2025 season show that the normative combination, vigilance and commitment of the sector is essential to preserve this iconic resource. With measures such as the new vigilance boat, we reinforce sustainability and security of the fleet”, has pointed out Grau.

The Government has also informed of a next active service of a new fast boat with base in Pollença, destined to reinforcing vigilance in the bays of Pollença and Alcúdia, the cap de Formentor and Menorca’s channel, which will be active for the 2026 season.

The marine reserves constitute a key tool for the regulation of the uses and exploitation of marine resources, which allows incrementing the natural regeneration of communities and preserving the more representative ecosystems. In the Balearic Islands, the 12 marine reserves cover an extension of over 63.700 hectares, and the experience shows that artisanal fishing depends directly on its existence: the captures are more abundant and of better quality, and the species are few out of the reserves that keep balance inside them. In addition, these protected areas have consolidated as a referent for diving tourism, with over 73.000 yearly immersions.