The marine reserve of Cabo de Palos and Islas Hormigas

19 square kilometres of protected area in the Mediterranean at the south-eastern tip of Murcia

Of the eleven marine reserves which have been declared off the coastlines of Spain two are located in the Region of Murcia, and both are considered to be among the finest diving locations in the Mediterranean.

One of these is the marine reserve of Cabo Tiñoso, the most recent addition to the list having been officially recognized in 2017, while the other is the one consisting of a 19-square-kilometre rectangular area of the Mediterranean stretching from the headland of Cabo de Palos to beyond the tiny islets of Islas Hormigas. From a naturalist’s point of view the area is home to a wide biodiversity and the sea bed is in especially good condition, the highlights including extensive meadows of posidonia sea grass and colonies of corals, as well as numerous other marine animal and plant species.

Essentially the marine reserve occupies the sea over a rocky shelf which is the continuation of the headland of Cabo de Palos, dotted by occasional protrusions which break the surface of the Mediterranean. These include the Islas Hormigas, about 4 kilometres from the mainland, El Hormigón, another tiny island close by, and a series of others including El Bajo, El Mosquito and La Losa which are little more than rocks.

The shallowness of the water, especially in the area of Bajo de Fuera, just beyond the lighthouse on Islas Hormigas, has proved disastrous for shipping over the centuries, the best known incident being the sinking of the Sirio in 1906: around 500 of the 1,000 emigrants on board heading from Italy to the USA lost their lives.

The area was declared a marine reserve in 1995 with the stated objective being to preserve the native flora and fauna, as well as to guarantee a breeding ground for fish species which are caught for commercial purposes. What this means is that in some zones fishing, diving and other activities are expressly prohibited at all times, while elsewhere limitations are placed on fishing techniques and quotas and the number of dive visitors.

The reserve is also included as a Location of Community Importance in the Natura 2000 network as part of the wider area referred to as the underwater coastal fringe of the Region of Murcia, while the lighthouse of Cabo de Palos is included as a separate item.

All of these features and characteristics have contributed to Cabo de Palos and Islas Hormigas becoming one of the most popular dive locations in Spain, and in the eyes of many it is among the finest in the whole of the Mediterranean.

Prohibited activities in the marine reserve

In the “reserva integral”, which is around the islands in the reserve, all human activities are banned other than those with scientific purposes and with specific authorization.

Underwater fishing and recreational fishing from boats.

Professional fishing by those whose boats are not inscribed on the register of permitted vessels.

All removal of flora and fauna except for authorized fishing.

Activities permitted in the marine reserve with proper authorization

Autonomous diving (outside the “reserva integral”)

Scientific sampling

Professional fishing using traditional equipment and techniques.