The Balearic archipelago will be the first in Spain to implement a comprehensive marine conservation strategy focused on elasmobranchs
Balearic Islands are taking a significant step forward in protecting their marine ecosystems with the launch of the Action Plan for the Conservation of Sharks and Rays in the Balearic Islands, an unprecedented initiative in Spain. This project aims to restore populations of elasmobranchs—sharks and rays—in the waters of the archipelago, where these animals play a key role as top predators in the marine food chain.
The plan was presented during the second meeting of the Elasmobranch Expert Group, held in Palma, and is based on previously agreed proposals developed with input from scientists, technicians, fishers, and environmental organizations. Key measures include strengthening scientific monitoring, improving the identification of protected species, providing training for fishers, and adopting protocols to reduce accidental catches.
More knowledge, fewer accidental catches
The project includes 17 actions grouped into six main areas of action to be rolled out in the short, medium, and long term. In addition to collecting data and improving surveillance in both inshore and offshore waters, the plan focuses on professional and recreational fishing—key sectors for achieving effective results.
One of the main challenges will be to reduce accidental catches of vulnerable species and promote their proper release. This will involve training fishers and enforcement agents, creating practical protocols, and incorporating digital tools to integrate scattered data into a shared monitoring platform.
Collaboration between science and the fishing sector
A cornerstone of the new plan is the active participation of all involved sectors, from artisanal fishers to conservation organizations. Participants in the meeting included experts from the Spanish Institute of Oceanography, technicians from the Balearic Government, representatives from the Consell of Ibiza, and associations such as Save the Med, SharkMed, and Marilles. Also present were members of the Balearic Federation of Fishermen’s Guilds and the Mallorcan Association of Responsible Recreational Fishing, whose experience is essential for designing practical and effective measures.
The proposal also includes giving the plan legal standing through a specific regulatory order, which reinforces its binding nature and ensures its integration into the archipelago’s marine conservation policies.
Why protecting sharks and rays matters
Sharks and rays are not only iconic species; their disappearance triggers cascading effects that disrupt the balance of marine ecosystems. The loss of these predators can affect the entire food chain, from small fish to coastal habitats such as seagrass meadows and rocky reefs.
With this strategy, the Balearic Islands are positioning themselves as a leading territory in ecosystem-based management of marine resources, offering a model that could serve as a reference for other Mediterranean regions. In the coming months, the regional government will begin implementing the first measures of the plan, aiming to involve both marine professionals and the general public in its conservation.
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