Fecal contamination on the beaches of the Balearic Islands has doubled during 2025 compared to the previous year, in a context of a progressive and generalized decrease inquality of bathing watersThis is reflected in the Balearic Sea Report 2026, which is being launched this year with a new chapter. BeachesThis chapter analyzes the state and evolution of these spaces in the Canary Islands based on three key areas: the sanitary quality of bathing water, usage and density of people, and the pressure exerted by anchored vessels. The chapter reveals that the islands' beaches not only suffer a progressive decline in water quality but also endure increasing pressure from both bathers and boats. For the experts of the collaborative research project, it is essential to extend the monitoring of users and vessels to all the islands, as it is currently only carried out in Menorca, with the aim of improving the management of these spaces and guaranteeing both the conservation of marine ecosystems and a safe and satisfactory experience for users. The conclusions indicate that, although the overall values for quality and usage remain within normal parameters, the trend is toward worsening water quality and increased human and nautical pressure.

Almost six years ago, the Marilles Foundation recognized the importance of raising awareness about the conservation of the Balearic Sea through the visual arts and created MARE, an annual image and video competition whose main discipline is underwater digital photography, to inspire action for the Balearic Sea. The project coordinator, Amador Garcia, explains that art "has the power to stir consciences and touch hearts." He also believes that this positive initiative "has more impact than a catastrophic campaign that conveys a negative message." This year, MADRE celebrates its sixth edition with the MADRE25 Conference, "The Sea Moves Us," a space for meeting, inspiration, and action for the conservation of the Balearic Sea. This year, the project program has been expanded, and in addition to the awards ceremony taking place this Friday at 6:00 p.m. at the CaixaForum in Palma, other activities will be held throughout the weekend.

Arrels Marines, Fundación Marilles, GOB-Mallorca, and Shark Med have filed objections to the draft decree of the management plan for professional fishing in the inland waters of the bays of Pollença and Alcúdia, with the aim of improving the conservation and co-management of this protected area.

The traveling exhibition The voice of the sea, The exhibition, which brings together the 32 winning photographs from the 2024 competition organised by MADRE, has been installed in front of the headquarters of the Balearic Port Authority (APB), where it will remain until 31 August.