ARCHIVED - Beaches and coves in Cabo de Palos to be included in marine reserve

The existing reserve will be extended to include coves and beaches where fishing will be limited

It has been announced by the regional government that the marine reserve of Cabo de Palos and Islas Hormigas is to be extended from its current area of just under 19 square kilometres to include various of the coves and small beaches on the headland of Cabo de Palos, with the boundary of the protected area being shifted around half a kilometre to the west to an area known as El Cañonero.

The exact new boundaries proposed are yet to be defined, but according to Bartolomé Navarro, the head of the Cartagena fishermen’s guild, this will help to protect various species of fish and other marine creatures including groupers and octopus. These species are found in relative abundance along the shore of the headland, due in part to the effect of the existing reserve being so close by, and provide rich catches in areas where fishing is permitted.

The regulations concerning the marine reserve state that traditional fishing techniques are permitted within its limits except in one central area, but only from officially registered boats. Underwater and recreational fishing are completely banned, and when the reserve is extended this will presumably also be the case at the beaches of Cabo de Palos included in it.

One of the effects of the creation of the marine reserve has been to make Cabo de Palos an internationally renowned destination for divers, and the dive centres which operate inside the 19 square kilometres also offer trips along the coastline of the headland. This activity has had a very beneficial on the local economy as it truly de-seasonalizes the tourism sector, bringing visitors all year round and encouraging the opening of tourist accommodation even in what has traditionally been thought of as the off season.

Images: Cala Galera and Cala Roja in Cabo de Palos

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