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Court rejects plans for artificial reef off the coast of Mallorca
Regional government plans to create an artificial reef for divers, off the coast of Calvia, in Mallorca, have been rejected by the Spanish high court. The Partido Popular first unveiled plans to sink the 'Baleares' frigate back in 2005. Whilst Calvia council were committed to stripping the frigate of any dangerous material, the high court upheld a ruling from 2007 which vetoed the proposal.
Greenpeace and the Department for the Environment opposed the underwater attraction, given the proximity of the site to the Calvia marine reserve. The steel ship was due to be sunk just 100 metres from the protected area. Artificial reefs of this nature have been created near Southampton, in the UK, and in Australia. There are environmental guidelines in place, however, which warn against the use of steel ships due to possible contamination of the sea over time.
Commenting on the court's decision a representative from Greenpeace said the ruling was 'a victory for the environment'.
For more, related news read Plans for artificial reef off the coast of Calvia
