Marine Reserve of the North of Menorca

Última actualización: 20/08/2024

2019 Update

• In 2019, the Menorca Biosphere Reserve has been extended to the Sea.
• Also in 2019, the Illa del Aire Marine Reserve has been created.

History of the Northern Marine Reserve of Menorca

The marine reserve of Menorca was “created” on June 24, 1999 from the BOIB number 81 ( yes, the day of Sant Joan!). It is an area of the north coast of Menorca in which fishing is prohibited or highly regulated and controlled. Thanks to this, the marine fauna has developed over the years, creating a spectacular landscape for those who choose to snorkel. It is easy to see species such as moray eels, groupers, octopus and mullets in the north of Menorca. Trawling and fishing for endangered species is prohibited throughout the marine reserve.
The reserve covers an area of 5,119 marine hectares from the bay of Fornells (eastern boundary) to Cape Gros (western boundary).
According to official data, there are 628 benthic species in the reserve, which covers 5,119 marine hectares.
The Reserve is divided into 3 zones.

Zone A of the Marine Reserve

It contains the space between Pla de Mar and Cala Barril.
It is the maximum protection integral reserve zone where any type of underwater fishing and the extraction of marine flora and fauna is prohibited.
The 4 coordinates that delimit the zone are the following:

1. The intersection of the coastline with the meridian 04º 01′ 42 “E (Cala Barril).
2. 40º 04′ 31″ N 04º 01′ 42″ E
3. 40º 04′ 18″ N 03º 58′ 06″ E
4. The intersection of the coastline with the meridian 03º 58′ 06 “E (El Pla de Mar).

Zone B of the Marine Reserve

It contains the area from the southeast of the Bay of Fornells to the tip of Ses Salines.
Spearfishing is forbidden except in cases where the General Directorate of Fisheries authorizes it.
The 3 coordinates that delimit the zone are the following:

1. The intersection of the coastline with the parallel 40º 04′ 00″ N
2. 40º 02′ 37″ N 04º 08′ 00″ E
3. The intersection of the coastline with the meridian 04º 07′ 29″ E (Ses Salines point).

Zone C of the Marine Reserve

It contains the rest of the marine reserve area.
Spearfishing is prohibited but there are some exceptions.

Illa del Aire Marine Reserve

 

More information about the Marine Reserves of Menorca

• Official Description of the North Menorca Marine Reserve(Rules, Regulation of Activities)
• Official Description of the Illa de l’Aire Marine Reserve(Rules, Regulation of Activities)