Petition to ban jet skis in the Mar Menor gains 26,000 signatures
Petition organisers say the lagoon's recovery remains fragile and are calling for a permanent ban on jet skis to help protect wildlife and water quality
A petition by Abracemos al Mar Menor calling for jet skis to be banned from the Mar Menor now has more than 26,000 signatures, with campaigners arguing that the activity is putting additional pressure on the recovering lagoon.
Launched on Change.org under the slogan 'Help for the Mar Menor', the campaign claims that while the Mar Menor has shown signs of improvement after years of environmental problems, its recovery remains fragile.
The petition claims that jet skis continue to reach speeds of over 100 km/h in the Mar Menor, causing noise and pollution in an ecosystem that remains fragile.
Campaign organisers say endangered species, including seahorses, fan mussels and underwater seagrass meadows, could be affected by continued jet ski activity. They argue that protecting water quality and marine habitats should take priority as efforts to restore the lagoon continue.
The group behind the petition points out that restrictions on jet skis have already been introduced in other protected areas, including Cabo de Gata Natural Park. They say the Mar Menor, which has faced years of environmental challenges, deserves at least the same level of protection.
Campaigners also argue that existing rules are not always being enforced and claim some jet skis are operating at excessive speeds and too close to the shoreline, creating safety concerns for swimmers, divers and people taking part in other water sports.
The petition describes jet skis as a direct source of environmental damage in a closed and sensitive ecosystem. Among the concerns raised are the disturbance of seabed sediments, damage to underwater plant life, noise pollution affecting marine species and fuel-related pollution in waters that have limited natural renewal.
As a result, organisers are calling on the authorities to introduce a permanent ban on jet skis throughout the Mar Menor, increase enforcement and penalties for rule-breakers, and promote other water sports such as sailing, rowing and low-powered electric boats as part of the Mar Menor's long-term recovery.
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