Mallorca coast: GOB seeks three-knot boat limit

Boats within 300 metres of Mallorca’s coast and the rest of the Balearics would be restricted to three knots under amendments submitted on 4 September by GOB Mallorca and GOB Menorca. The environmental groups also want a binding nautical capacity limit — a ceiling on the pressure from boats, anchoring and moorings that each area can take. Their proposals are aimed at the new Coastal Law.

GOB says the limit should be set using physical, ecological and social criteria. Uses that exceed it should not be authorised, while pressure should be gradually reduced in places already beyond the limit.

Wider gaps for boats at anchor

The groups want boats to anchor at least 50 metres from unmarked beaches and coves, and 20 metres from the rest of the unmarked coast. They say the measures would ease pressure close to shore across the Balearics.

Private or profit-making uses of public coastal land should have to show why they need that location and why no workable alternative exists, GOB says. Seasonal services should remain genuinely temporary.

Plans and inspections under review

With coastal erosion and climate risks increasing, GOB wants plans reviewed when environmental conditions change. Vulnerable infrastructure and uses should be adapted, removed or moved where needed.

The groups also call for dunes, wetlands and other damaged coastal habitats to be restored first. They want a regular, coordinated inspection programme with public priorities and results, while money from the coastal levy should chiefly fund restoration, monitoring, pressure reduction and climate adaptation.

GOB Menorca has also submitted amendments concerning changes to the Menorca Biosphere Reserve Law. The group warns against removing provisions on water management, the coast and the role of the Consell de Menorca without sufficient justification.

Topics: Sea & coast

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com