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!
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!
