Oceana is calling for expanded marine protected areas (MPAs) in the Balearics to defend the islands from the threat of oil drilling.
This comes after Ocean completed a ten-day expedition to the Balearic seamounts where it acquired new underwater images of vulnerable species and abandoned nets and drag marks from trawling on the seabed.
“This expedition has documented the destructive effects of bottom trawling, which literally destroys fragile habitats such as coralligeneous reefs and maërl. The next step should be to implement active measures of protection by creating a large protected area around the seamounts of the Mallorca Channel, and by expanding the National Park of Cabrera to include the Fort d’en Moreu marine area,” said Xavier Pastor, executive director, Oceana Europe, and expedition leader.
Earlier this week, destructive fishing was banned in the seamounts Emile Baudot and Ausias March of the Fort d’en Moreau, which Ocean has been studying.
Now, the organisation says the upcoming months will be critical towards the enforcement of the ban in these areas, and it hopes it will serve as an example for other areas affected by similar problems, such as the Menorca Channel.
“Oceana has been strongly against oil-drilling projects in the Balearics, yet this threat should certainly not overshadow the efforts of many years working towards responsible fisheries and biodiversity conservation. Marine protected areas allow active conservation of habitats and species and prevent oil drilling in these areas,” added Mr Pastor.
Species in certain areas are showing a decline, for example, bamboo coral and deep-sea sharks.
