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Mar Menor cracks down on unlicensed boats, illegal jetskis and dodgy rentals
In the last week alone, 32 separate incidents regarding thefts, incorrect paperwork and irresponsible anchoring in the Mar Menor were reported
The summer season has barely started in the Mar Menor, but officials are already dealing with a long list of familiar problems. From unlicensed boat rentals to reckless jetskiing and petty theft at the ports, it is the same issues that crop up every year. This summer, authorities say they are tightening the net.
The Maritime Authority, Guardia Civil and Local Police are all working together with environmental officers from the regional government to keep things under control. But in the past week alone, the Maritime Captaincy has processed 32 complaints.
Most were related to boats operating without the right paperwork, anchoring where they shouldn’t, thereby threatening the already vulnerable marine life, or running services like charters or diving trips without a license.
There’s also been a rise in unauthorised water sports popping up on the beaches and complaints have been filed against diving boats and other recreational craft doing business without the proper registration.
According to Cartagena’s maritime captain, Óscar Villar, the biggest headaches are still unlicensed jetskis, illegal boat rentals and vessels entering swimming areas or speeding through narrow channels.
Mr Villar stressed that patrols are being carried out in restricted areas where anchoring is banned to protect the lagoon’s seagrass meadows and giant mussel colonies, which come under threat from reckless behaviour every summer. If boats are caught dropping anchor in these sensitive zones, fines of between €600 and €1,000 are issued.
Large vessels are also on the radar. Some foreign boats have reportedly been hanging around in the lagoon for weeks without docking, and Mr Villar says these are often discharging greywater into the sea. Last week, two 20-metre boats had to be towed out through the Estacio Canal.
Local residents and environmental groups have been calling for stricter enforcement for some time, especially around speed limits and navigation rules in the lagoon.
Boat clubs have seen a recent wave of thefts too, with jetskis, inflatable boats and parts going missing. To keep this expensive issue in check, clubs and owners are being asked to remain vigilant, checking the registration papers and licences of all vessels using their facilities.
In one case, a French-registered taxi boat was found using a rented mooring without ever being asked for documentation.
While patrols will continue throughout the summer in coordination with the Guardia Civil, Mr Villar admits the operation is being held back by a lack of staff and equipment.
He has again called for the creation of a dedicated maritime guard, with properly equipped patrol vessels to carry out inspections and enforce the rules across the Mar Menor.
On top of all this, around 20 regional environmental officers will be out monitoring the lagoon and nearby protected parks, including Las Salinas and Calblanque, starting this Friday June 27. They will be paying special attention to the protected giant mussel colonies, and may even use drones if needed.
A control point is also being set up on Isla Grosa to manage visitor access and look after diving buoys there and at Cabo de Palos. Officers will also be keeping an eye on informal gatherings of boats along the coast or around the islands.
While these events are legal, since no permits are required, patrols will check that all participating vessels have valid insurance and the correct documents on board.
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