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Balearics - Fines for Anchoring in Posidonia Reserves

In 2008 Spain designated a number of  "Posidonia Reserves" (Seagrass reserves), and provided mooring buoys which could be booked ahead so that yachts could still visit. In 2011 several of these reserves did not lay buoys, but instead instructed yachts only to anchor in places free of the grass. For 2012 the buoys were laid. Some boats anchoring in reservations have been fined.

The buoys are capable of taking yachts up to 8m (red buoys, €10 per day) or 15m (white, €20 per day). They should be booked ahead through http://www.balearslifeposidonia.eu/index.php?register_vars[lang]=en . Their use and the reserves will be patrolled. If buoys are occupied, or if you have a larger vessel, it may  be permitted to anchor on large sandy patches, or in depths greater than 35m. But don't damage the grass! Fines may be levied if you don't co-operate.

Restricted areas are:

  • Ibiza/Formentera. Espalmador Bay, Caló de s´Oli, or Ses Salines
  • Mallorca. Cala Blava near Palma, Sa Dragonera/Sant Elm at the western corner, or  Punta de l´Avançada near Puerto Pollensa
  • Minorca. Illa del Colm or Cala Fornells

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