The marine reserve of Cabo Tiñoso

11.7 square kilometres of the Mediterranean are protected at Isla de las Palomas and from Cabo Tiñoso to Isla Plana

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 19-square-kilometre rectangular area of the Mediterranean stretching from the headland of Cabo de Palos to beyond the tiny islets of Islas Hormigas, while the other is the marine reserve of Cabo Tiñoso, the most recent addition to the list having been officially recognized in 2017. Officially the aims of the reserve are to protect marine ecosystems and the breeding grounds of fish caught for commercial purposes, but such is the popularity of recreational diving in the area that the legislation defining the reserve was not drafted without taking into account the opinions and requirements of local dive centres.

The underwater landscape in the area features marine spermatophyte plants, caves and artificial reefs and well as proliferation of fauna, and the majority of the reserve is delimited by the line at which a depth of 50 metres is reached on the stretch of coastline between the headland of Cabo Tiñoso and the village of Isla Plana, including La Azohía. In addition, all of the Mediterranean within 500 metres of the Isla de las Palomas, which is between El Portús and Cartagena.

This amounts to a total area of 11.7 square kilometres, which is divided into four zones or “cells”: Cell A is the area around the Isla de las Palomas, Cell B (the “reserva integral”) consists of 86 hectares around the south-eastern tip of Cabo Tiñoso, Cell C lies along the southern coast of the headland and Cell D, the largest area, runs along the bay from Cabo Tiñoso to Isla Plana.

Activities which are permitted and banned in the marine reserve

Cell A

Boats may be moored only at the points provided by the regional government.

Recreational fishing is not permitted either on land or from boats.

Prior authorization is required for autonomous diving.

Professional sea fishing using small boats and traditional methods is permitted with prior authorization.

Cell B (the “reserva integral”)

Mooring is not permitted.

Angling is not permitted either on land or from boats.

Prior authorization is required for autonomous diving, which is tolerated only at Cabo Falcó and Obaza.

Professional sea fishing is not permitted.

Cell C

Boats may be moored only at the points provided by the regional government.

Angling is not permitted either on land or from boats.

Prior authorization is required for autonomous diving.

Professional sea fishing using small boats and traditional methods is permitted with prior authorization.

Cell D

Boats may be moored in areas without posidonia sea grass meadows.

Angling is permitted both on land and from boats.

No previous authorization is needed for autonomous diving.

Professional sea fishing using small boats and traditional methods is permitted with prior authorization.

Dive clubs and centres whose intention is to dive in the marine reserve should request authorization either by email at serviciopesca@carm.es or by fax on 968 326644, and are required to supply the following information:

• Name, address, email and contact number of the dive centre.

• Full name and ID of the manager or owner of the dive centre.

• Cate, times and coordinates of the intended dive.

• Boat registration number.

• Names and ID of the skipper and dive monitor(s).

• Names and ID of the divers.

The skipper should take with him or her a copy of the completed form and all other documentation.

Individuals who wish to dive in the reserve should contact serviciopesca@carm.es or 968 326644 (fax) to receive the application form at least 48 hours beforehand.