PortsIB collaborates in an operation to remove bulky waste from the seabed in Sant Elm

PortsIB is collaborating on an operation to remove bulky waste from the seabed in Sant Elm

May 26th 2026

The action is part of the joint work between Save the Med Foundation, Cleanwave Foundation, Amics de Sant Elm and the Andratx City Council to promote more responsible management of the marine and coastal environment

Ports de les Illes Balears (PortsIB), a public entity attached to the Ministry of the Sea and the Water Cycle of the Government of the Balearic Islands, has collaborated in an action to remove bulky waste from the seabed on the coast of Sant Elm, facilitating the unloading of the extracted material in the port area and authorizing the activity, in line with the sustainability and marine environment protection policies promoted by the entity.

This initiative falls within the framework of a joint effort between Save the Med Foundation, Cleanwave Foundation, Amics de Sant Elm, and the Andratx Town Council, with the aim of promoting more responsible management of the marine and coastal environment. In this context, the various organizations are promoting actions aimed at the conservation of the marine environment and the involvement of citizens in the protection of coastal areas.

The waste removal was carried out by the professional diving team of BACO SUB, a company subcontracted by the organizations promoting the initiative. BACO SUB was responsible for both the underwater handling and the coordination of the material's removal on the surface. The operations were performed by professional divers, in accordance with the regulations applicable to this type of underwater intervention.

Due to logistical reasons, the work was spread over two days, with an approximate schedule between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. During the operation, it was found that the amount of waste present, especially in Cala Conills, was greater than initially anticipated.

Nearly four tons of bulky waste have been removed from the seabed, an amount that demonstrates the need to continue promoting conservation and recovery actions in these marine areas.

For its part, the Andratx City Council assumes the management of the extracted waste and its treatment at the authorized collection points.

This initiative is also part of the Sa Dragonera Blava project, which promotes the active involvement of citizens, the nautical sector, fishermen, administrations and local entities in marine protection and conservation in the Sa Dragonera area.

With this collaboration, PortsIB reaffirms its commitment to the preservation of the marine environment and to supporting initiatives that contribute to the sustainability and improvement of the port and coastal areas of the Balearic Islands.