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Rubbish Boats in the Balearics Make a Big Haul
The rubbish boats of the Balearic Islands have collected a significant 'booty' over the course of the summer from the oceans around Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera.
This has made a significant contribution to keeping the beaches clean for tourists to enjoy. A 23% increase was seen over collections in 2013 where just over 36 tons of rubbish were taken out of the sea. According to the Balearic Government, the higher yield is a consequence of the expansion of the fleet from 23 to 33 boats.
Of the 33 boats, 15 covered the coastline of Mallorca, 8 each for the Islands of Menorca and Ibiza and 2 for Formentera. As in previous years, much of the waste was plastic (38.7&), followed by wood (25%), algae residues (14%) and other organic waste (12%).
The boat crews have also been crucial in monitoring the waters around the Island and have occasionally intervened in emergencies at sea. Among the unusual incidents also included the rescue of two injured seabirds and the recovery of two goat carcasses.
