Bradley Robinson President & Co-founder, Save The Med Foundation, looks at why speed matters
Lately Save the Med has been on an important mission: raising awareness of a new speed regulation approved by the Balearic Government for the waters of Sa Dragonera,
one of the foundation’s key conservation areas.
The law, which limits navigation speeds in the Sa Dragonera Marine Reserve to 10 knots, marks a major step forward in protecting local marine ecosystems, and reflects a growing commitment to the health of the Balearic Sea.
A CALL FROM THE COMMUNITY
In 2024, Save the Med joined Xarxa Dragonera Blava (Blue Dragonera Network) – a local entity that brings together local citizens, government representatives, experts, activists and anyone who wants to help regenerate the region – and the Els Voltors Sports Group during the Vuelta a Sa Dragonera en Kayak.
Together, they raised concerns about increasing maritime traffic and boat speeds in the reserve – a major issue for the coastal community of Andratx, with implications for both safety and ecological disruption.
According to Vesselfinder, 7,553 AIS-equipped vessels crossed the Freu de Sant Elm between 2022 and 2023, a number that could triple when accounting for all vessels. Notably, 82% of crossings occur during the summer, when marine ecosystems are especially vulnerable.
In response to this pressure, the Andratx City Council passed a motion urging the Balearic Government to regulate speeds in the reserve. On March 11, the publication of Order 6/2025 in the BOIB marked the culmination of efforts to safeguard marine ecosystems in this protected area. The new maximum speed limit of 10 knots aims to protect the marine and coastal ecosystems of Sa Dragonera and Sant Elm.
WHY SPEED MATTERS
Boat speed doesn’t just pose a safety risk – it also leads to higher CO₂ emissions, black carbon and noise pollution, all of which have serious consequences for marine life.
Yaiza Santana, biologist and coordinator of Save the Med’s Sa Dragonera Blava project, notes that vessel speed is a major stressor for marine ecosystems:
“It has been shown to affect behaviours like reproduction and foraging, which can reduce fish populations, even those important
to local fisheries.”
Studies by the Belgian Ministry of Environment, IFAW, and OceanCare show that lowering vessel speed can reduce pollution, underwater noise and even ship- whale collisions, all while improving water quality.
Sharon Livermore, Director of Marine Conservation at IFAW, called this a “cost- effective solution” with immediate benefits for the ocean, climate and marine species.
A SIMPLE RULE WITH BIG IMPACT
Respecting the new 10-knot limit isn’t just about following rules – it’s about understanding why they exist. It’s a collective commitment to ensure that everyone – humans and wildlife alike – can enjoy a safe, healthy and peaceful environment in the Balearic Sea.
For more details visit www.savethemed.org
