Tag Archives: Marine ecology

Considerations on a second offshore wind project

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The GOB has submitted a document with considerations to the Ministry for Ecological Transition regarding the floating offshore wind farm project “Tramuntana Wind Menorca.” This is the second offshore wind farm proposal to emerge in Menorca. It involves larger turbines than the previous one and raises as many or more environmental uncertainties.

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Environmental concern over projects at the Port of Maó

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GOB has not received any response to the objections it submitted regarding two major nautical projects at the Port of Maó, nor has it received answers to its requests for access to information.

Plans to discharge desalination plant brine directly into the port, construction of new pontoons in natural areas, lack of environmental impact assessments, and overcrowding of nearby coves are among the concerns raised due to the high potential impact.

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Objections to jet ski project at Sant Tomàs beach

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Jet skis are the basis of an activity that frequently generates complaints. They tend to be noisy, can pose a danger to swimmers, and have a high potential to impact the marine environment. GOB has submitted objections to a facility currently under administrative review, planned for installation in front of Sant Tomàs beach.

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Meeting between environmental organisations and the General Directorate of the Merchant Navy

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The organisations SOS Costa Brava, Ecologistas en Acción, SOS Mar Menor and GOB recently met in Madrid with the Director General of the Merchant Navy, Gustavo Santana, to express our shared concern about the growing impacts of nautical overcrowding along the entire Spanish coastline.

During the meeting, it was made clear that the main cause of this situation is the excessive number of recreational boats operating without control or oversight. In recent years, in the most saturated areas, this reality has led to an increase in unsafe conditions along the coastal strip, with concerning episodes such as collisions between boats, accidents involving swimmers, risks during sports activities, and severe impacts on marine ecosystems.

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Pending environmental requirements for Fornells Port

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The renovation of Fornells Port is a delicate balancing act, as all activities related to maritime services take place in an area of great marine value. For this reason, the project was approved with a series of environmental conditions that tend to be repeatedly overlooked. Unfortunately, this is happening once again.

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Regenerative aquaculture: economy and environment in the sea

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On Saturday, November 30th, the first Regenerative Aquaculture Seminar in Menorca will take place at the Claustre del Carme in Maó. Organized by GOB Menorca, this event offers a unique opportunity to explore a pioneering approach to sustainable blue economy with proven ecological, economic, and social benefits. Registration is still open via this link.

Menorca’s natural conditions make it an ideal candidate to lead the way in regenerative aquaculture, aligning perfectly with its status as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

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Seminar on regenerative aquaculture: an opportunity for the sea

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The GOB is organizing a seminar with two presentations on regenerative aquaculture, set for Saturday, November 30, in Maó.

A new blue economy is taking root in some parts of the world, with positive economic and ecological results: regenerative aquaculture. This approach involves cultivating different species of shellfish and macroalgae together in a single space.

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Offshore wind energy in Northern Menorca

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In February 2023, Spain approved the Maritime Spatial Plans (MSP) to regulate various marine activities across the country, including renewable energy installations. These plans designated two areas north of Menorca (LEBA 2 and LEBA 3) as the only spaces in the Balearic Islands where offshore wind projects could be developed.

This year, a French company introduced the “Gregal Offshore Wind Project,” planned for the LEBA 2 area. GOB Menorca has sent a report to the Ministry of Ecological Transition with several considerations.

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