The Balearic Sea is considered one of the richest and best-conserved areas of the Mediterranean. Twenty percent of its expanse is legally protected, and it is home to more than 400 fish species as well as half of Spain’s seagrass meadows. It also hosts stable populations of dolphins and sperm whales, and bluefin tuna reproduce there. But this underwater paradise is under threat. Since 2017, the Marilles Foundation has been working to maintain – and improve – its condition. One of its team members, biologist Toni Font, is the protagonist of the latest episode in the series The Mallorcans by German television journalist Sibylle Tiessen.
Sustainable fishing is one of the key areas in which Marilles is supported by the TUI Care Foundation, which also sponsors the The Mallorcans project. As part of its Sea the Change Balearics programme, the TUI Care Foundation and its project partner Marilles are dedicated to conserving Mallorca’s fish stocks while protecting endangered species. Other projects include the restoration of shallow bays and seagrass meadows, as well as training programmes in fisheries and marine conservation.
“The Balearic Sea possesses a remarkable amount of fishery resources. If we can make use of them and they continue to provide us with healthy food, while we safeguard the ecosystem, then it must be in our greatest interest to conserve them. The real challenge lies in finding the right balance between conservation and use,” says enthusiastic diver and sailor Toni Font. Born in Palma, Font studied biology at the University of the Balearic Islands. He is committed to bringing together everyone involved in the use and protection of the sea to make joint decisions about the future of the Balearic Sea.
The consultant and environmental activist has long worked in the planning and management of marine protected areas. Through Marilles, he aims to make the Balearic Islands a global benchmark for marine conservation. Both professional and recreational fishing are to become the most sustainable in the Mediterranean – and serve as an example for others.
Marilles collaborates with more than 30 organisations across the four islands and is part of Mediterranean alliances deeply rooted in environmental philanthropy. The foundation places great importance on facilitating dialogue between NGOs, experts, authorities, and the private sector. To achieve this, it applies the principle of co-management – the implementation of jointly developed regulations in which all stakeholders participate.
“There are very clear protection measures in fisheries,” explains Font. “Zones, seasons, species, and fishing methods that are either permitted or prohibited. One key element of sustainable fishing is effective monitoring of these measures to see whether they are working.”
Another project focuses on promoting responsible fish and seafood consumption in the Balearic Islands. With the support of the Tui Care Foundation, “Millor quín” quality label have been fostered, and a brochure has been created to enhance the value of local Mallorcan products. The Fish Guide presents 40 local species best suited for marketing – a useful reference for both sellers and conscientious consumers.
“The most rewarding part of my work is the contact with nature and the sea,” says Font, who is dedicated to protecting marine ecosystems. “To allow stocks to recover, we need more protected areas where fishing is restricted or completely prohibited.” According to Font, there is international consensus that at least ten percent of the world’s seas should be declared marine protected areas.
The Balearic Islands are still among the healthiest and best-conserved marine regions in the entire Mediterranean. Against this backdrop, Font concludes: “Through our work, we want to raise awareness in society that the sea gives us so much – and that we must give something back to it, treating it with generosity and care.”
Cooperation with Tui
Support from the tourism industry: the video-project is sponsored by Europe's leading tourism group Tui and its Tui Care Foundation. The initiative was founded in 2016 with the aim of supporting sustainable projects in the destinations. The foundation focuses on the potential of the tourism sector as a driver of social development, education and prosperity. The Group promotes sustainable tourism in cooperation with local people.