During the month of November, 449 m³ of Posidonia will be returned to contribute to the protection and recovery of the beaches in winter.
The Consell Insular de Menorca, through the Beach Cleaning Service of the Department of the Environment, Biosphere Reserve and Cooperation, is carrying out this November the return of the Posidonia removed from the beaches during the summer. This action aims to preserve the beaches from the impact of winter storms. In addition, with the return of the Posidonia to its original place, the sand removed from the beaches, which forms part of the natural system of the coastline, is also recovered.
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The Beach Cleaning Service returns the Posidonia removed during the summer to eight beaches in Menorca
During the summer season, piles of Posidonia are removed from the seafront, especially on urban beaches with a large number of users and tourist services, such as sun loungers and parasol rentals. This Posidonia is deposited in areas within the natural system of the beach itself, and now, in autumn, it is returned to its original place. This process helps prevent sand loss and reinforces the natural resistance of the coastline.
This year, the removal of Posidonia using mechanical methods was carried out on eight beaches: Punta Prima, Cala en Bosc, Platja Gran, Cala Santandria, Macarella, Binibèquer, Cala Blanca and Playas de Fornells. Punta Prima, with 161 m³, and Cala en Bosc, with 144 m³, account for 70% of the total volume mobilised, which amounts to 449 m³. This volume shows a downward trend compared to previous years: 1,920 m³ in 2022 and 660 m³ in 2023.
The Councillor for the Environment, Biosphere Reserve and Cooperation, Simón Gornés, stressed that ‘Posidonia is essential for preserving our coastline. Residents and visitors must understand its crucial role in protecting our beaches. This return is an essential action to maintain the natural balance. In addition, this summer we have carried out an information campaign on the beaches to raise public awareness of its importance and to encourage an attitude of respect and responsibility towards this natural resource’.
The importance of Posidonia in coastal protection
Posidonia (Posidonia oceanica) is a protected marine plant that plays a crucial role in Menorca’s coastal ecosystem. Its dead leaves, accumulated on the beaches, are key to protecting them from erosion caused by storms, and provide much of the sand that forms the coastline. This role is fundamental in the context of climate change, with more frequent and intense storms and rising sea levels.
Regulation and public awareness
Decree 25/2018 on Posidonia in the Balearic Islands regulates the removal and management of this plant to guarantee its protection and make it compatible with the tourist use of beaches. Removal is only allowed in urban areas and with a low frequency of storms, while on natural beaches it is only authorised on an occasional and justified basis.
In addition, this summer the department has carried out an awareness campaign to inform visitors and residents about the importance of Posidonia, highlighting the beaches with remains of this plant and promoting normalisation and acceptance.