A healthy marine and coastal environment is essential to the economic prosperity of the Balearic Islands and the wellbeing of its citizens. In addition to global warming and pollution from poorly treated water and plastics, the marine environment is under stress from overpopulation, overfishing and inaddequate mooring practices from boats. This has resulted in the loss of valuable habitats and species and action is needed to restore and preserve this essential ecosystem. 

For the last six years, the Marilles Foundation has been working closely with fishermen, Marine Protected Areas, NGOs, researchers and representatives from key sectors (such as diving centres and in the boating sector) to collectively identify the most effective interventions to turn the Balearic fishing fleet into the most sustainable one in the Mediterranean. TUI Sea the Change Balearics builds on these successes and relationships to focus on three strategic priorities:  

1) Sustainable fisheries: creation of sustainable management plans for Balearic fisheries.  

2) Shallow water bay restoration: working to restore shallow water bays in two locations by planting, restoring and nurturing seagrass meadows. This will be complemented by community engagement activities to build local support alongside policy work to encourage local and regional governments to act.  

3) Training local marine NGOs working on marine issues with the aim of strengthen their organisation and increasing their impact and effectiveness.  

25 square kilometres of coast and seascapes will be protected and 10 square kilometres of this will also be restored. Perfect conditions will be created to increase populations of sharks, rays, groupers and other marine wildlife. 

60 people from three fishing “cofradias” (cooperatives) will be trained in marine conservation, and on how to reduce their impact on vulnerable species and increase catch and revenue per unit of effort through better fishery management plans. 

300 people will participate in sustainable tourism experiences including “pescaturismo” and 30 NGOs will receive training sessions and a 12-month mentoring programme to support their growth in terms of staff, budget, and impact.