Anti-jellyfish nets could return to the Mar Menor this summer
A 20-day window is now open for public feedback on the regional government’s proposal
The Mar Menor could see the return of anti-jellyfish nets this summer, though for now it’s just a possibility and not a done deal. The coastal authority has opened a 20-day period for public comments on a proposal to install and maintain jellyfish barriers along over 43 kilometres of the Mar Menor’s shoreline.
The request was made by the regional government of Murcia, which wants to be ready to act quickly if jellyfish become a problem for bathers in the warmer months. The permit, if granted, would be valid for four years and would allow nets to be installed at up to 60 beaches – though that doesn’t necessarily mean they will be.
After two years without the barriers, jellyfish did show up last August, especially around beaches in San Pedro del Pinatar and northern La Manga, including spots like La Mota, Villananitos, La Puntica, Veneziola and Pantalán. Local councils had called for action, and nets were installed to keep swimming areas clear.
So far, no action is planned for this summer, but officials want to be prepared just in case. In the meantime, the regional government has confirmed that 40 kilometres of coastline are being marked out with buoys before Easter to protect swimmers from boats. The only exception is San Javier, where the safety markings are already in place year-round and just need maintenance.
Locals, holidaymakers and other interested parties now have until the end of the public consultation period to give their opinions on the anti-jellyfish net plan.
This weekend, thousands of jellyfish-like Velella velella ‘By-the-Wind Sailors’ washed up on the Mediterranean shore of Torrevieja, just north of the Mar Menor, but they are not dangerous to humans.
Image: Canal Mar Menor CARM
