Moves to create Murcia marine reserves

Written by Our Murcia Correspondent

Thursday, 28 August 2008

More protection for Murcia’s coast? S tudies are now under way with the aim of declaring more protected marine reserves in the waters and coastal zones of Murcia. Ecologists and environmentalists have been calling for many years for such protection to be given to the unspoilt waters of the region and now official studies seem to be moving in that direction. At present the Murcia region has only one marine reserve, in the waters around the Islas Hormigas, near Cabo de Palos. The reserve was set up in 1995 and fishing was banned. Despite initial concerns, catches in the areas around the reserve have increased very significantly to the delight of local fishermen, a study by experts from the University of Murcia has found. Fishing stocks have stabilised and the traditional fishing industry has flourished. Inside the reserve itself the marine environment has demonstrated tremendous biological diversity with a huge range of fish and other marine life being found there. The reserve was extended to the northeast and now it covers about 1,850 hectares of the Mediterranean. At a time when fish stocks are plunging throughout the Med the success of the marine reserve and its benefits for local fishermen has attracted considerable interest. Species that are intensively fished have found the reserve a haven to breed and recover. Fish species include mero, dentón, dorada, sargo and salmonette while shellfish, such as lobsters molluscs have also flourished as have octopi. Larvae and eggs are carried by currents to areas outside the reserve with obvious benefits for marine life generally. Some marine activities related to scientific investigation are permitted but all types of fishing within the reserve are prohibited within the core area. Elsewhere, some fishing is permitted using traditional methods and with special authorisation. Tourism and recreational activities are restricted to protect marine life. The studies currently under way are investigating the possibility of creating new marine reserves at Cabo Tiñoso, near Puerto de Mazarrón, and at Cope in the very south of the region of Murcia. from:http://www.roundtownnews.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16071&Itemid=9