The Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, known as Miteco, announced yesterday that the information file has been opened regarding the unauthorized, large-scale boat gathering held on Isla del Ciervo during the weekend of August 20 and 21, above the Mar Menor in the Murcia Region.
The event featured a dense crowd of people and a flotilla in a protected and highly stressed area, accompanied by loud music and other environmental impacts.
From this file and if it is proven that the law was violated, sanctions may be applied. In its statement, the ministry highlights that a protected area, maritime safety, and recreational activities may have breached environmental protection laws. The gathering did not have formal authorization and was not subject to prior control.
The department led by Teresa Ribera, the Ministry of Environment for the Region of Murcia as “responsible,” aims to protect the flora and fauna. It notes that for a large-scale gathering, the Coastal Directorate and Sea Captaincy, which fall under the Ministry, must be informed in advance.
Lack of prior control by the Government of Murcia
“The absence of prior oversight by the regional government of recreational activities in the Mar Menor reinforces the excesses that disturb the delicate balance of this protected ecosystem,” stated the ministry. The region’s Comprehensive Management Plan for the protected areas of the Mar Menor and the Mediterranean coastline is cited as supporting this concern.
The event drew together a large number of boats and participants near the Mar Menor, triggering concerns about ecological impact and compliance with established rules. The party is described as a large gathering with potential violations of environmental protection aims.
The gathering is noted to have violated regulations governing festival and recreation activities and regional competition due to the lack of pre-inspection. The presence of many boats and people near the coast raised questions about authorization by the Sea Captain, and its proximity to vessels is said to breach Maritime Safety Regulations.
The ministry argues that it should not be surprising for the Prosecutor’s Office to seek an investigation. It states that a formal file will be opened to determine the sanctions that should apply, and that Seprona will oversee the process to ensure compliance with current rules. The investigation will assess whether the 20th’s event caused seabed damage or was the result of unauthorized mooring.
Isla del Ciervo event and oversight
The events took place on Isla del Ciervo, south of La Manga, where dozens of boats were gathered in a non-authorized party. The Maritime Captaincy, part of Mitma under the Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda, had not approved the gathering.
The Nature Conservancy Service, Seprona, is tasked with ensuring compliance with existing regulations and will examine the environmental impact of the gathering, including seabed disturbance linked to the event and unauthorized vessel mooring.
Since 2008, there has been a Royal Decree regulating sport or leisure marine concentrations. It is clear that these gatherings require approval from the captaincy of the maritime province where they take place, according to Óscar Villar, the sea captain, in remarks collected by Antena 3 via La Opinión.
According to the captain, a gathering in a delicate environmental state should not receive authorization, and organizers should always seek permission. He noted that this is not how proper procedures work, and emphasized the need for accountability in such activities.
In recent years, there have been recurring reports of boat concentrations in protected areas, with citizen groups such as SOS Mar Menor sharing information about past events.
Event advertisements and calls for accountability
Although the gathering had no official authorization, organizers advertised the event. Flippa Boat posted on the internet that it was selling tickets to transport attendees to the celebration site, charging 25 euros per person.
Calls for political accountability
Podemos has demanded the resignation of a Member of Parliament for La Unión, Ginés Guzmán, for participating in the party organization as reported by the party. Screenshots circulating online show the MP singing with a band from one of the boats during the event.
María Marín, spokesperson for Podemos, echoed the call for accountability, urging the resignation of Environment Minister Antonio Luengo. She argued that the ships’ concentration highlights a lack of responsible management and negative headlines around environmental oversight. The comments stressed a demand for clear responsibility in public administration and enforcement, rather than excuses.