PortsIB presents in the port of Sant Antoni the resources that allow strengthening the control of the Ibiza and Formentera coastline and supporting port management

The Director General of Ports and Maritime Transport, Antoni Mercant, and the Manager of PortsIB, Kico Villalonga, today presented the coastal surveillance, inspection, and control system deployed by Ports de les Illes Balears (PortsIB) in the Pitiusas Islands at the port of Sant Antoni de Portmany. With three operational vessels, the service covers Ibiza and Formentera and reinforces both the monitoring of coastal activity and support for the management of the regional ports.

The presentation was also attended by the mayor of Sant Antoni de Portmany, Marcos Serra, and the Councillor for Environmental Management, Sustainability, Innovation and Transparency of the Ibiza Council, Nacho Andrés.

The unit consists of two vessels dedicated to coastal surveillance, inspection, and control, based in the ports of Ibiza and Sant Antoni de Portmany, although they can operate interchangeably at any point in Ibiza or Formentera depending on the service's needs. In addition, PortsIB has a third vessel assigned to support port operations in the port of Sant Antoni de Portmany.

During the event, the Director General of Ports and Maritime Transport, Antoni Mercant, highlighted that "the Pitiusas Islands register significant nautical activity for a large part of the year, making it necessary to have a stable service that contributes to ensuring safe navigation, compliance with regulations, and the protection of the marine environment."

Mercant added that "our priority is to ensure the safety of people and promote responsible use of the sea, reconciling nautical activity with the conservation of a natural environment that we must all preserve."

The service is responsible for the surveillance, inspection, and control of the public maritime domain and coastal waters, especially with regard to recreational boating activities. Its functions include detecting irregular activities, controlling the illegal rental of vessels, monitoring unauthorized anchorages, verifying documentation and administrative permits, and coordinating with other administrations and bodies that carry out surveillance functions along the coast.

During 2025, 162 sanctioning proceedings were initiated for infractions primarily related to illegal nautical chartering, with proposed fines totaling €471.600,01. As for 2026, to date, 39 new proceedings have already been initiated, and nearly 70 are pending initiation, approximately 15 of which correspond to inspections carried out this year. Furthermore, irregular advertisements for accommodation on boats and offers to rent seventh-list vessels published on digital platforms have been removed following formal requests to those responsible.

With the consolidation of this service, the Government continues to strengthen the resources allocated to the protection of the Balearic coast, improving the capacity to act in the face of incidents and moving towards a more efficient and sustainable management of maritime and port areas.