Volcanic/ReserveMarine Protected Area

Columbretes Islands

Depth: 5–40 mLevel: Advanced Open WaterMay-October

A volcanic archipelago of four groups of islets on the edge of the widest continental shelf in the western Mediterranean, halfway between the Balearics and the Valencian coast. The land above water amounts to just 19 ha, 14 of them on Columbrete Grande, or Illa Grossa. The reserve is aimed particularly at the recovery of the European spiny lobster.

Depth

5–40 m

Recommended level

Advanced Open Water

Average visibility

25 m

Protection status

Columbretes Islands Marine Reserve of Fishing Interest (5,493 ha: 3,112 of integral reserve and 2,381 of buffer zone), lying entirely in external waters

Did you know?

The reserve acts as a nursery: the reserve effect ("spillover") is felt many miles away. It has sworn fisheries wardens, three boats, fixed mooring systems — 16 in all — so that vessels do not anchor on the seabed, and even an ROV for surveillance. It is also used as a scientific sentinel for global change in the Mediterranean.

Sources consulted: MAPA - Reservas Marinas de España · MITECO/CENEAM · FAO-GFCM (MedPAN)

Location

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