Espacio marino de Formentera y del sur de Ibiza

The coastal waters surrounding the island of Formentera and part of southern Ibiza, as well as the islets of Es Freus, which are in the channel between Ibiza and Formentera. Espalmador and Espardell are particularly noteworthy. The western sector of the area is directly influenced by the surface current that flows north-easterly along the western coasts of the Balearic Islands. This generates a highly productive front area, which some pelagic fish use for spawning. This marine area is home to several breeding colonies situated on the island of Formentera, in the south of Ibiza, and on the islets of the Es Freus channel, which separates these islands. This area is home to the world’s most significant breeding colonies of Balearic Shearwater (Puffinus mauretanicus), as well as important colonies of European Storm Petrel (Hydrobates pelagicus) and Audouin’s Gull (Ichthyaetus audouinii), among others. Furthermore, this area serves as an important feeding ground for them. The European Shag (Gulosus aristotelis) breeds at various points along the coast and associated islets.