The operation began on May 1st and will continue until September 30th, with routes covering the main stretches of coastline of the archipelago.

The Government of the Balearic Islands has today presented the coastal cleaning campaign for the 2026 season, a device of 23 boats financed through the Sustainable Tourism Tax (ITS), which began on May 1 and will continue until September 30.

The presentation was attended by the Director General of Ports and Maritime Transport, Toni Mercant, and the manager of PortsIB, Kico Villalonga.

The system consolidates the structure of 15 beach-type vessels and 8 coastal-type vessels, which operate in a coordinated manner to act both in areas close to the coast and in more distant areas, with the aim of removing floating waste and preserving the environmental quality of the Balearic coast.

The routes are organized from different home ports spread throughout the territory. In Mallorca, boats operate from Palma, Andratx, Sóller, Pollença, Alcúdia, Cala Rajada, Portocolom, Cala d'Or and Colònia de Sant Jordi; in Menorca, from Ciutadella, Fornells, Maó and Cala Galdana; in Ibiza, from the port of Ibiza, Sant Antoni and Santa Eulària; and in Formentera, from La Savina.

This distribution allows for efficient coverage of the main stretches of coastline, including port areas, coves and areas of high environmental value.

Beach-type vessels are designed to operate in shallow waters, especially in coves and beaches, while coastal-type vessels can work beyond the coastline, between 1 and 5 nautical miles, with greater pickup capacity and better response to adverse sea conditions.

The Director General of Ports and Maritime Transport, Toni Mercant, highlighted that “the coastal cleaning campaign is an essential service to guarantee the environmental quality of the Balearic Sea and the safety of navigation, and reflects the Government's firm commitment to the preservation of the marine environment.”

2025 Campaign Review

The coastal cleaning service removed 36,8 tons of waste from the coasts of the Balearic Islands during the 2025 season, with a total of 36.804,57 kilos collected, representing an increase of 32% compared to the previous year.

The campaign, carried out between May and September, helped maintain environmental quality and safety in the coastal and port areas of the islands, with a daily average of 269,39 kilos of waste removed.

By island, Mallorca led the collection with 17.520,20 kg, followed by Ibiza with 9.598,20 kg, Menorca with 6.019,27 kg and Formentera with 3.666,90 kg.

Regarding the type of waste, plastic was the predominant material, with 44,27% of the total, followed by wood with 33,67%, while the rest corresponds to other materials in a smaller proportion.

With this campaign, the Government reaffirms its commitment to the protection of the marine environment and the maintenance of the quality of the waters and coastline of the Balearic Islands, as essential elements of the archipelago's natural heritage.

Citizens are reminded of the importance of not leaving waste in the marine environment and of making responsible use of the coastline to contribute to its conservation.