Formentera Enforces Mooring Regulations in S'Estany des Peix According to Environmental Standards

The Formentera Council has adopted mooring regulations in a sensitive area to avoid ecological impact

What does it consist of?

After years of unregulated anchoring, the coastline of S'Estany des Peix now has a regulated system for moorings and floating pontoons. The aim has been to restore ecological balance in one of the most sensitive areas along the coast of Formentera, where sailing put its conservation at risk.

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Data

PROJECT TITLE IN THE CALL
Regulation of boat anchoring in s'Estany des Peix
LOCATION
Formentera (Formentera)
Entity submitting the PROJECT
Consell Insular de Formentera
Entity that executes the project
Consell Insular de Formentera
Project code
ITS2018-111
Total project amount
652.154 €
ITS granted amount
652.154 €
Executed amount
524.633 €
Call year
2018
Budget implementation status
Executed
Purpose
Environment
Budget execution
Executed: 80.45%
Last updated
03.10.2023

The project

S'Estany des Peix has traditionally been a place where the residents of Formentera moored small boats. However, in recent decades, the increase in unregulated anchoring, especially in summer, has had a strong impact on this protected area by changing the natural dynamics of its shallow waters.

This plan has sought a technical and operational solution that combines the traditional use of the site with environmental protection. To this end, a low-impact mooring system has been designed and built, along with the installation of floating pontoons to allow for more organised moorings and the management of surveillance and services from a centralised point.

The works have been carried out in coordination with Parc Natural de ses Salines, and have included boat registration, the removal of outdated infrastructure, and measures to prevent unauthorised boating companies from mooring. The new system also supports the safe practice of dinghy sailing, one of the island’s oldest sports, which has the smallest environmental footprint.

A major goal of the project has been to free up space on the shore that was previously taken up by utility boats. To this end, a stretch of coastline has been restored for public use, consistent with marine conservation. These new regulations in S'Estany des Peix therefore represent an updated model of coastal management on an island facing growing sustainability challenges.