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Date Published: 18/07/2025

Plans move ahead for new marine reserve around Cabo Cope

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Ramonete and Puntas de Calnegre residents have been invited to share their input on the project

Plans move ahead for new marine reserve around Cabo Cope

Lorca City Council will hold a meeting with residents of Ramonete and Puntas de Calnegre next week to discuss plans for a new Marine Reserve of Fisheries Interest (RMIP) around Cabo Cope.

The proposed reserve covers 33 hectares of external waters under Spanish government control and 1,703 hectares of inland waters regulated by the Region of Murcia, which includes the coastal area of the Cabo Cope and Puntas de Calnegre Regional Park.

This protected area stretches from Punta del Siscal to the border with Águilas, encompassing part of one of the last stretches of unspoiled coastline on the Spanish Mediterranean.

Councillor for the Environment María Hernández Benítez announced the consultation plans, explaining that residents will have the opportunity to learn about the project and provide input on its development.

"The creation of this marine reserve will be a fundamental tool for ensuring the conservation and regeneration of fishing resources, as well as for protecting the biodiversity of our coast, making environmental protection compatible with the development of sustainable activities,” she said.

“Therefore, we will study a proposal for the delimitation of the marine reserve of fishing interest, agreed upon with local residents and reflecting the environmental values and criteria of the technical staff of the Environment Commission," Ms Hernández Benítez added.

The councillor also emphasised the importance of local involvement in the planning process.

"Now that the RMIP is in the public participation phase, it is time to meet with the residents of Ramonete and Puntas de Calnegre to explain the project and allow them to provide input, express their concerns and contribute their proposals to a management model that protects the natural environment while addressing the needs of those who live and work in the area."

Public participation in the consultation process remains open until July 29, with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food accepting contributions and suggestions via email at sgprotec@mapa.es.

Ms Hernández Benítez stressed that the marine reserve designation would not prohibit traditional activities but rather regulate them sustainably.

"Artisanal fishing, recreational diving and scientific research will continue to be possible under regulation, because protection does not mean prohibition, but rather sustainable management. However, we want these activities to extend to the entire Lorca coast, not just a portion," she stated.

The councillor concluded by stressing that making Cabo Cope a marine reserve will protect a special area and help fish and sea life recover, which is good for both the environment and the local economy that depends on the sea.

For more local news, events and visiting information, you can go to the home page of Lorca Today

Image: Ayuntamiento de Lorca

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Oficina de Turismo de Lorca

Lorca Tourist Office

The rich and extensive history of Lorca has left a legacy of archaeological sites and historic buildings around which the modern city has built its tourism industry. Amongst these are Lorca Castle, Plaza de España, the former Collegiate church of San Patricio, the municipal archaeological museum, the Casa Huerto Ruano, the Palacio de Guevara and the churches and convents of San Francisco, San Mateo, the Virgen de las Huertas, La Merced, El Carmen and many others.

Unfortunately, Lorca has been prone to natural disaster, suffering a severe flood in 1973 which killed 50 people, and a Gota Fría on September 28^th 2012, as well as a series of earthquakes, the most recent of which was 5.3 on the Richter scale on 11^th May 2011 and claimed 9 lives.

Lorca Tourist Office Lorca also has an area of unspoilt coastline incorporating the Parque Regional de Cabo Cope - Puntas de Calnegre, which includes the beaches of Puntas de Calnegre, Cala Calnegre and various others. Although only one is accessible by road others can be reached along dirt tracks!

In terms of fiestas, Lorca is synonymous with Easter (Semana Santa), its biblical parades of International Tourist Interest status being famous throughout Spain. The week includes a series of parades in which the whites (Paso Blanco) and blues (Paso Azul) try to outdo each other with the magnificence of their embroideries and the skill and daring of their horsemen.

In the Autumn Lorca also celebrates the Fiestas of San Clemente and a Feria and there are a series of important events throughout the year in the Recinto Ferial, as well as a busy cultural and sporting programme.

The tourist office relocated for 14 years to Calle San Patricio, near the church, but has now returned to its former premises alongside the Palacio de Guevara in the Plaza Concha Sandoval, or Plaza de la Bordadora (click for map).

Lorca Tourist Office Lorca also has an area of inspoilt coastline incorporating the Parque Regional de Cabo Cope - Puntas de Calnegre, in the Sierra de Almenara, which includes the beaches of Puntas de Calnegre, Baño de las Mujeres, San Pedro, El Siscal, Cala Honda, Cuartel del Ciscar, Junquera, Cala de la Gruta, Cala Leña, Los Hierros, Cala Blanca and Playa Larga, although many are accessible only along difficult tracks or by boat!

Lorca Tourist Office However, in spite of its many attractions, the name of Lorca is synonymous with Easter, (Semana Santa) its biblical parades of International Tourist Interest status and famous throughout Spain. The week includes a series of processions in which the Whites (Paso Blanco) and Blues (Paso Azúl) try to outdo each other with the magnificence of their embroideries and the skill and daring of their horsemen.