Maro-Cerro Gordo Installs Eco-Buoys to Protect Seabed off Nerja

The coastal cliffs and turquoise waters of the Maro-Cerro Gordo natural park form one of the most stunning stretches of coastline in Andalusia. Beneath the surface, however, lies an equally precious and fragile world. To safeguard these vulnerable habitats, the regional government, Junta de Andalucía, has introduced eight new ecological mooring buoys in the waters between Nerja and neighbouring Almuñécar.

This installation represents a key milestone within a wider 25-buoy marine conservation initiative dedicated to preserving the seabed across the entire natural park.

Protecting Submerged Meadows and Reefs

The waters flanking Nerja are celebrated for their rich biodiversity, featuring underwater reefs and delicate meadows of *Posidonia oceanica* (Neptune grass). These seabed grasslands play a vital role in Mediterranean ecology, serving as nurseries for marine wildlife, producing oxygen, and shielding beaches from coastal erosion.

Traditional boat anchors present a serious threat to these environments, tearing up decades-old seagrass roots in a matter of seconds. In contrast, ecological mooring buoys are permanently anchored using specialised seabed fixtures designed to avoid dragging or scouring. By tethering to these sustainable points, visiting vessels can secure themselves safely without scarring the ocean floor.

What This Means for Visitors and Water Sports

The Maro-Cerro Gordo natural park is widely recognised as a premier destination along the Axarquía coast for kayaking, scuba diving, snorkelling, and leisure boating. Rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and clear waters draw thousands of ocean enthusiasts every season.

For travellers planning sea excursions, the expanding network of eco-buoys brings several practical benefits:

• Enhanced underwater sights: Preventing anchor damage directly preserves coral reefs and lush seagrass, ensuring snorkelers and divers continue to encounter thriving fish habitats.
• Responsible navigation: Private boaters and commercial charters operating between Nerja and Almuñécar now have dedicated, sustainable points to moor while exploring secluded sea cliffs.
• Support for sustainable tourism: Kayakers and paddleboarders benefit from clearer, protected marine corridors free from seabed disturbances.

Experiencing the Coast Responsibly

Whether setting out on a kayak tour from Burriana Beach in Nerja or embarking on a dive trip towards the Almuñécar border, visitors are encouraged to choose operators that prioritise marine protection and use designated ecological moorings. By supporting low-impact coastal exploration, visitors help keep Maro-Cerro Gordo's underwater landscapes pristine for future generations.

Good to know

• Location: Waters off Nerja and Almuñécar, within the Maro-Cerro Gordo natural park.
• Project scope: 8 new eco-moorings recently installed as part of an overall 25-buoy conservation plan.
• Primary objective: Halting anchor damage to endangered Posidonia seagrass meadows and seabed reefs.
• Activities affected: Scuba diving, recreational boating, kayaking, and coastal charters.
• How to explore: Kayak and boat tours depart regularly from Nerja (such as Playa de Burriana) and neighbouring coastal harbours.