The founding team: Back row from left to right, Paul Marsh, Simon Moore, Miguel Coll, David Dordal, Dan Osterbery, Gary Butcher, Darren Rogers, (unknown), Pedro Pons, Pere Calafet, Francisco Seguí, Ali Ashworth, Andrés. Front row, from left to right, Alex Guess, Ali Preece, Xavi Serrano, Manuel Gomez, Garcia-OChoa, Estoban, (unknown), Alvaro Sevillano, Ayora, Diego, Javier Espín, (Don Teflon), Bonifacio Redondo.

By Peter Martin

Article from Issue 371 – May 2025

Menorca Rugby Club is based in Mahón, Menorca, Islas Baleares, Spain

The club’s concept is built around the values of respect, teamwork, loyalty and discipline, all of which are fundamental to the sport of rugby. These values aim to enrich the lives of players, fostering camaraderie, integrity and personal growth, ultimately contributing to a stronger and more compassionate society.

HOW DID IT ALL START?
It all began with a casual conversation over beers between Dan Osterbery and Paul Marsh at the Reina Isabel in S’Algar around the year 2000. As the night wore on and the beers flowed, their discussion turned to rugby and by the tenth beer an idea was born: to form a rugby club in Menorca. The next week Dan and Paul met up with Gary Butcher and Darren Rogers, two rugby enthusiasts from Sussex, at Bar Jamboree in Arenal d’en Castell. The four men hatched a plan to spread the word about their new venture. They placed an advert in the local paper, Diario, announcing rugby training sessions on Arenal beach on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The response was overwhelming, more than 30 people turned up for the first session, representing a diverse mix of nationalities, including Irish, Scottish, Argentinian, Menorcan, English and Welsh. Encouraged by the turnout, the group organised further beach sessions.

Meanwhile, Dan had been in touch with Paola at the golf club in Son Parc, who kindly offered the use of the club’s driving range for training. This generous offer prompted the group to formalise their club. With the help of Nick Cook,
who assisted with language and notary meetings, Menorca Rugby Club was officially established. Nick’s company, called Fincas Moncloa, became the club’s first sponsor of this fledgling team, along with MeHoCa, also early sponsors, who washed all the club’s rugby kit.

As Menorca rugby continued to grow, the team took a significant step forward by securing a home pitch. After a couple of meetings with the Mahón town hall officials, the club was offered the pitch next to Pallisers. This pitch has
remained the club’s home to this day and is called Estadi Municipal de Mahón.

The first year was an exciting time for the club with a three-way tournament against El Toro and Ponent rugby teams from Mallorca. Menorca lost both matches and gained new friendships in rugby. Menorca Rugby Club then joined the Balearic League, marking a significant milestone in the club’s development. The following season saw the team play six competitive matches, gaining valuable experience and honing its skills.

One of the highlights of the season was hosting its first ever touring side, the Weybridge Vandals. Whilst the result of the match may have faded from memory, the post-game drinks, dinner and a party will be forever etched in the
memory of those who played!

Around 2009, Guillermo Bibiloni Pons (known as ‘Bibi’) a member of Menorca Rugby Club, embarked on a new venture. Alongside like-minded individuals, Bibi decided to establish a new rugby club, Tramontana de Menorca Rugby.
For the next three to four years, Tramontana de Menorca Rugby Club competed in the Balearic League, travelling to Mallorca by plane and boat to participate in matches.

One of the club’s most significant contributions to the Island was promoting the sport of rugby in Menorcan schools. This initiative sparked genuine interest amongst boys and girls, helping to grow the sport on the Island. As the club’s
influence grew, so did the popularity of rugby, paving the way for a brighter future.

MERGING FOR THE GREATER GOOD
Three years after its inception, it became clear that merging Tramontana de Menorca Rugby Club with Menorca Rugby Club would be in the best interests of rugby on the Island. This union aimed to strengthen the sport, combining
resources, expertise, and passion to create a more robust and competitive team.

Menorca Rugby Club has expanded its reach and activities. The club has various teams, including boys and girls seniors, juniors and younger age groups with training sessions held on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It also has a strong focus on youth development with programmes for children as young as 5 years old. Currently the club trains at CF Sporting de Mahón and plays matches at Camp Municipal de Ses Canaletes. All this whilst waiting for its w pitch to be ready at Estadi Municipal de Mahón. To support its growth and activities, Menorca Rugby Club relies on sponsors and supporters.

By Jo Eames

Excerpt from Issue 371 – May 2025

LITTLE PARIS – Menorca

Even places that never seem to change do shift by degrees. In Mahón, the area around Plaça Bastió has altered by more than a few in the past three years. The old stalwarts, Can Xavi, La Murada and Perla, tucked under the arches of Carrer d’Alaior, remain. But there is a whole new crowd on the block….
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Excerpt from Issue 370 – Spring 2025
Photo: Podarcis lilfordi (Lilford’s wall lizard)

MENORCA PRESERVATION – THE ISLA DEL AIRE MARINE RESERVE:

A Collective Commitment to its Conservation
The Isla del Aire Marine Reserve (RMIA) was established through Decree 26/2019, following an agreement made by the Balearic Islands Government Council in its session on 12 April 2019. This decree defined the creation of the Marine Reserve and its territorial boundaries, covering 719 hectares, including a special diving zone around the perimeter of the Isla del Aire.

ISLA DEL AIRE: A HEAVEN FOR BIRDS, FLORA, AND ENDEMIC WILDLIFE
As one of Menorca’s most ecologically valuable enclaves, Isla del Aire stands as a testament to the island’s rich biodiversity and conservation efforts, re-inforcing the need for ongoing protection and sustainable management of this unique natural sanctuary.

A SANCTUARY FOR SEABIRDS AND MIGRATORY SPECIES
Isla del Aire is a vital nesting site for all of Menorca’s protected seabirds, including some of the island’s most emblematic species. Among them are the Scopoli’s shearwater (Calonectris diomedea), the Balearic shearwater (Puffinus mauretanicus), the European storm petrel (Hydrobates pelagicus), the European shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis), the yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis), and the Audouin’s gull (Ichthyateus audouinii). These species have been the focus of Menorca’s Ornithological Society’s (SOM Menorca) ongoing, long-term, research campaigns.

Beyond its rich birdlife inhabitants, Isla del Aire also plays a crucial role as a resting and feeding refuge for pre Saharan and trans-Saharan migratory birds. As part of the Piccole Isole project, led by SOM Menorca, an impressive 103,545 birds from 122 different migratory bird species were ringed on the islet between 1995 and 2024, providing valuable insights into bird migration patterns.

Muscicapa tyrrhenica © SOM Menorca

A REFUGE FOR RARE PLANTS AND ENDEMIC SPECIES
The island is also home to various threatened plant species, including the critically endangered Malva minoricensis, whose conservation status is of grave concern. The Atriplex tornabenei is also among the endangered species found here facing significant conservation challenges.

Meanwhile, the population of Lilford’s wall lizard (Podarcis lilfordi) remains stable and thriving, with an estimated 2,000 individuals per hectare. This species is endemic to the Balearic Islands, found only on the small islets surrounding Menorca, Mallorca, and Cabrera, making its presence on Isla del Aire particularly significant. Fun fact: these lizards are only black when on the islet and if moved they change to green.

MARINE LIFE IN THE RESERVE: A THRIVING UNDERWATER HABITAT
The marine environment of Isla del Aire Marine Reserve is characterised by an array of unique and diverse habitats, including Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows, free sand beds, Cymodocea nodosa seagrass beds, rocky seabeds, and Maerl seabeds.

With the support of Menorca Preservation and in collaboration with the Spanish Oceanographic Institute (IEO), IME-OBSAM has been conducting long-term monitoring studies on more than 20 species of fish populations vulnerable to fishing within the Marine Reserve. These studies rely on visual census techniques to assess changes in fish communities over time and three years after the declaration of the Isla del Aire Marine Reserve (RMIA), the study’s results provided the first clear evidence of the positive Impact of the protection measures in place. The biomass (weight) of fish In the shallowest areas had doubled, while their abundance (number of Individuals) had also increased significantly.

This promising trend highlighted the importance of conservation efforts and reinforced the role of marine reserves in supporting biodiversity and promoting the recovery of vulnerable species.

Mero (Epinephelus marginatus) y morena (Muraena helena)
en la Reserva Marina de la Illa de l’Aire.
Foto_ Eva Marsinyach

WHAT CHANGED IN 2022? A STEP BACK ON FISHING RESTRICTIONS
In 2022, the Balearic Government’s General Directorate of Fisheries amended the Marine Reserve decree, reducing the area in which artisanal and recreational fishing is prohibited by 22%, significantly limiting the protection of deep-sea rocky bottoms. This re-adjustment also modified regulations on the extraction of marine flora and fauna and underwater activities.

THE RESPONSE: A NEW APPROACH TO SAFEGUARDING THE MARINE RESERVE
These changes have raised concerns among various environmental organisations specialising in marine conservation. In response, Menorca Preservation, with the technical involvement of IME-OBSAM and GOB Menorca, launched the development of a Participatory Governance Strategy for both the marine and terrestrial areas of the Marine Reserve to identify solutions that would highlight the significant economic, social, and environmental benefits of protecting this vital natural area.

A WHOLE NEW STRATEGY: 50 KEY ACTIONS FOR THE MARINE RESERVE
Developed by environmental scientist Irene Estaún Clarisó, this strategy sets out 50 key actions to strengthen the protection and management of the IIsla del Aire Marine Reserve. It focuses on enhancing holistic knowledge of the natural environment, ensuring a governance model rooted in community engagement and active participation from key stakeholders. Additionally, it promotes awareness, education, and communication about the RMIA’s ecological value while reinforcing monitoring efforts and ecological connectivity. Another essential element is the development of collaboration networks between organisations that share common conservation goals, fostering collective action for marine protection.

This initiative represents a significant step forward in securing the long-term sustainability of the Isla del Aire Marine Reserve, strengthening Menorca’s role as a model for community-driven marine conservation.

WHY COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT MATTERS
One of the key insights highlighted by the Strategy is the importance of engaging the local community in the protection of the Isla del Aire Marine Reserve. Raising awareness about the ecological and economic benefits of conservation is crucial—not only for the health of the surrounding environment but also for the local economy!
For instance, a 2021 study conducted by the Marilles Foundation, in collaboration with the Balearic Centre for Applied Biology and Ecoasa, found that for every euro invested annually in the Llevant Marine Reserve of Fishing Interest in Mallorca, €10 in benefits were generated. This demonstrates the significant economic value of well-managed marine reserves and the importance of community support in ensuring their success.

Forum 2025 © Philip North-Coombes

FIRST STEPS: ESTABLISHING THE FORUM
In mid-2024, Menorca Preservation secured the necessary funding to carry out the first actions outlined in the Participatory Governance Strategy and launch the first Participatory Forum for the RMIA. During the first session on 12 February 2025, the first Participatory Governance Forum was officially established. During the session, participants identified key challenges faced by the Marine Reserve, including lack of surveillance, pollution, and the impact of boating activities in the area. In response, the Forum proposed concrete solutions, such as creating an informative website, installing signage in the area, establishing best practices for key sectors, and organising workshops to raise awareness.

WHAT’S NEXT?
Menorca Preservation will focus on activating dedicated working groups to advance the proposed solutions and preparing the next participatory workshop to continue strengthening the governance of the RMIA.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO GET INVOLVED?
The protection of the Isla del Aire Marine Reserve is a collective effort that thrives on community involvement and shared responsibility. Whether by joining the Participatory Forum, contributing expertise, or providing financial support, your involvement can make a huge impact in safeguarding this unique ecosystem.
Together, we can ensure a thriving future for the Marine Reserve, where conservation and sustainable use go hand in hand. Get involved today and help shape the future of Menorca’s natural heritage!

www.menorcapreservation.org

Menorca Preservation was created and established in the island in late 2017. To date, we have awarded over one MILLION € to over 95 local environmental projects on the island. We exist thanks to strongly committed businesses, fabulous collaborators, and wonderful local entities and individuals, like yourself, with a deep connection to Menorca and who wish to preserve its precious environment. If you feel you can support our work in whichever way, please do reach out to us!

Nil Riudavets wins Paralympic Bronze Medal

by Caroline Langlois, Consulta Veterinaria Menorca

Last March 29th, Law 7/2023 on the protection of animal rights and welfare, better known as “Ley de bienestar animal” was published in the Government’s Official Journal. At the time of writing, it was supposed to come into effect on September 29th, but there may be further delays to clarify some of the new laws. In this article, I will present the main points of the law and the changes it will bring for pet owners.

WHAT IS THE NEW SPANISH ANIMAL WELFARE LAW?

The law means to regulate and control the keeping and treatment of pets within the Spanish territory. Its aim, as stated in the Official Journal document, is to protect and guarantee the welfare of domestic animals residing in Spanish territory.

It establishes the obligation to treat them in accordance with their status as “sentient beings”, The owners or people responsible for the animals are obliged to treat them in accordance with this status. They will also be liable for any damage, harm or nuisance caused by the animals.

One of the key points in the law is the intensification of penalties for mistreatment. Abandonment could cost between 500 and 10,000 € in fines, depending on the circumstances. If it is considered “serious”, the act could be punished with fines up to 50,000 €, and if it is deemed “very serious”, then the penalty would be up to 200,000 €. In addition, any offence involving animal suffering will be punishable by disqualification of ownership for up to 10 years; and in the case of death, imprisonment of between 18 months and 3 years.

WHAT IS MEANT BY “PETS”?

The first point to be clarified is which animals will be considered pets.

According to the definitions given in Article 3, a pet is a “domestic or wild animal in captivity” which is kept by humans “mainly in the home” if it has suitable conditions which “respect its ethnological needs, and is not intended to be bred for consumption, production or industrial use, or to be used for profit.

Until now, an exclusion list was followed: a series of animals, mainly those classified as protected or invasive species, could not be kept as pets. The new law, on the other hand, will work by inclusion: there will be a “positive list” of animals that can be kept as pets and it will be illegal to keep those that are not included in this list, which should be published within 4 years of the law’s application.

Likewise, the regulations establish the following as pets:
• Dogs, cats and ferrets.
• Domestic animals included in the list to be drawn up.
• Production animals that are registered as pets by decision of their owner.
• Aquarium animals not included in the catalogue of invasive alien species or protected wild species.
• Animals belonging to wild species that are included in the positive list.

The law does not apply to the following: animals used in bullfighting shows, production animals, those used for scientific experimentation, wild animals, animals used in certain activities such as sports, falconry birds, livestock herding dogs, rescue dogs, animals belonging to the Security Forces and Corps. Finally, after much debate, hunting dogs have also been excluded.

In any case, in principle the law will not be applied retroactively and those who have animals not included in the list will be able to keep them. They will just have to declare them to the authorities within 6 months of the list being published.

For example, now, we do not know whether small birds such as parakeets, rabbits or rodents will be on this list, but until it is published, they can be kept without declaration by their owners.

KEY POINTS OF THE NEW SPANISH ANIMAL WELFARE LAW

• Prohibition to leave a pet alone for more than 3 days, or 1 day for dogs
The law prohibits leaving your pet alone for more than 3 days or 72 hours. This period is shortened to 24 hours for dogs.

In addition, it is also forbidden to keep your pet on terraces, balconies or roof terraces, in storage rooms, basements, courtyards and the like, or in vehicles. The use of any handling equipment that may cause injury to the animal (electric, impulse, punishment or choke collars) is also prohibited.

• The sale of dogs, cats and ferrets may only be carried out by authorized breeders
The sale of these pets will only be allowed by licensed breeders duly registered in the Register of Pet Breeders. The participation of mediators in the process is prohibited, as well as the sale by private individuals.

The new law also establishes a series of criteria aimed at guaranteeing the welfare of the animals selected for breeding, such as limiting the number of litters per year and ensuring that they have adequate space and treatment.

A written contract of sale is required, and the sale must be reported to the Pet Register within three working days of the sale. In addition, dogs and cats must be at least two months old.

In the case of pet shops, only fishes, rodents and birds may be sold and these must come from registered breeders. The display of any animal in shop windows shall also be prohibited. Shops selling dogs, cats and ferrets will have 12 months after the entry into force of this law to end this activity.

• The classification of potentially dangerous breeds (PPP) is maintained
One of the last-minute changes has been the modification of the draft regarding the PPP Law, which was initially going to be replaced by sociability tests and a new denomination of dogs needing special handling.

The following breeds: Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, Dogo Argentino, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Fila Brasileño, Tosa Inu and Akita Inu, continue to be potentially dangerous breeds. Their owners need an administrative licence, special insurance and they must use a short leash, muzzle, and they cannot be allowed to walk off the lead in areas designated for other dogs.

However, not everything has been agreed, as General Directorate for Animal Rights continues to support the idea of repealing the PPP Law in order to implement a sociability test for dogs classified as potentially dangerous, as well as for large dogs.

• Pets’ euthanasia for economic reasons is strictly forbidden
Euthanasia of pets may only be carried out for health or medical reasons, never for financial or economic reasons.

• Compulsory sterilisation of all cats from 6 months of age onwards
To try to reduce uncontrolled breeding and future abandonment, all cats will be obliged to be sterilised, regardless of breed, gender or status of the feline.

In the case of sterilisation for dogs, it will only be compulsory when they are placed for adoption by animal protection organisations or public centres.

• Mandatory identification of cats and ferrets, like dogs, by microchip
The identification of pets shall be carried out by a veterinarian in the name of an authorized registered breeder, animal protection organization or public administration. All pets shall be registered in the Pets Register of each Autonomous Community.

In this way, there will be greater control over cats and ferrets, as is currently the case with dogs.

The aim is to reduce abandonment. Birds will be identified by ringing from birth

• Compulsory training course for responsible dog ownership
All people who want to keep a dog as a pet will have to prove that they have completed a compulsory course for dog ownership. Its aim is to train citizens in the correct ownership and care of their dogs. This training will be compulsory both for new owners and for those who already live with their dog at home.

The only thing that is known for certain is that it will be free of charge and that it will have to be taken by all those who wish to own a dog, while those who already have one or more dogs will have two years to take the course. In principle, once it has been passed, it will be valid indefinitely. However, the course contents and the criteria for passing it, have not yet been defined, nor how it will be taught, although in principle it should be online. The two biggest questions are: what will happen if a dog owner doesn’t take the course within the established period, or if he doesn’t pass it?

• Civil liability insurance for dogs.
Civil liability insurance for dogs is already compulsory throughout the Community of Madrid. The new law will make it compulsory for all dogs in Spanish territory, with the aim of ensuring responsibility for any damage they may cause.

The Spanish Animal Welfare Act was due to come into effect at the end of September 2023. However, at the time of writing, several doubts remained, and a number of clarifications had to be made. I will keep readers informed of any new information on this law in the next issues.

Contact:
Caroline Langlois, Consulta Veterinaria Menorca, Carrer Santa Victòria 30, 07701 Maó,
0034 685753292
vetmenorca@gmail.com