Where are Gibraltar’s marine protected areas, and what rules should visitors follow?

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Accepted Answer

All of British Gibraltar Territorial Waters is managed as the Gibraltar Marine Reserve, with the Southern Waters of Gibraltar holding special conservation status. Visitors must not take or harm marine life without a permit, must not use spearguns, and must keep their distance from whales, dolphins and turtles.
The Southern Waters of Gibraltar, along the southern shores of the Rock, were designated a protected marine site in 2006 for their sea cliffs, caves, reefs and sandy habitats, and as an important migration route for seabirds. The Gibraltar Marine Reserve Management Plan extends protection to the whole of British Gibraltar Territorial Waters, which reach up to three nautical miles from the coast.
Activity in these waters is governed by the Marine Protection Regulations 2014, made under the Nature Protection Act 1991. Unless you hold a permit from the Department of the Environment, you must not hunt, capture or collect sea creatures, take anything produced by wildlife, introduce non-native animals or plants, or carry or use spearguns and other projectile weapons. Fishing requires the appropriate permit and must respect minimum fish sizes. The regulations also designate Marine Conservation Zones and no-anchoring zones.
All whales and dolphins are protected under Gibraltar’s Cetacean Protocol, and loggerhead turtles are strictly protected. Boat, kayak and jet ski users must keep a safe distance and must not chase, feed or touch these animals.
Report animals in distress, or anyone disturbing them, to the Department of the Environment’s Environmental Protection and Research Unit on 58009620.

Where are Gibraltar’s marine protected areas, and what rules should visitors follow?

Short answer

Detailed answer

Key rules for visitors