MAD Divers News from April 2004

El TORO AND MALGRATS DESIGNATED MARINE RESERVE

It was announced in February that the islands of El Toro and Malgrats, two of the most popular dive sites on the entire island, are to be designated a national marine reserve. The change follows several years of campaigning by several of the dive centres surrounding the areas of El Toro and Malgrats as well as marine biologists from the university in Palma.

The changes mean that all independent divers who wish to dive in the reserves at El Toro and Malgrats will now require a permit to do so, obtainable from Palma, or will have to dive with centres who hold annual licenses. The number of divers and boats is to be limited and the practise of anchoring is to be replaced with buoys.

No industrial fishing will be allowed in the marine reserves, only fishing for recreational purposes and only using traditional Mallorquian techniques.

Following from the success enjoyed by the marine life around Cabrera, the other marine reserve on Mallorca .Majorca, it is expected that there will be a marked improvement in what was already a great diving area. Great news for everyone!



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