More protection for posidonia in Ses Salines

The ability to control the damage caused by the anchoring of boats in the Ses Salines Natural Park will be strengthened this season of 2017/18. Vicent Vidal, the Counsellor of the Environment, has announced that the Government of the Balearic Islands is going to allocate 14 boats to ensure protection of the posidonia sea grass in this area of Ibiza and Formentera. This is an unprecedented measure in the Pitiusas that will mark a new beginning in the protection of these vital plants. The main purpose is to limit the uncontrolled anchoring of boats which threatens the plants’ ecosystem.
The authorities report that this initiative will include four boats operated by the Balearic Institute of Nature (Ibanat). In addition there will be ten other boats involved: six to help monitor the moorings in the protected area; three to maintain and operate the field of warning buoys; and marine reserve vessel for general coordination. This is all possible thanks to the recovery of the budget items that were cut by the previous Popular Party government. The Government of the Balearic Islands is allocating €330,000 for the implementation of these measures to protect the posidonia. The authorities on Formentera have expressed their agreement that this plan is necessary, but they warn that it may not be enough to end the overcrowding and uncontrolled anchoring during the season.