La Ràpita promotes Alfacs Bay as a global leader in blue economy

The town submits a bid for the area to become the Mediterranean's first UN-recognized OECM site.

Aerial view of Alfacs Bay with fishing boats and aquaculture facilities in the Ebro Delta.
IA

Aerial view of Alfacs Bay with fishing boats and aquaculture facilities in the Ebro Delta.

The La Ràpita Town Council has approved a bid for Alfacs Bay to be declared the first OECM in the Mediterranean, a conservation status recognized by the United Nations.

The OECM (Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures) designation aims to protect biodiversity while supporting traditional activities such as artisanal fishing and aquaculture. This model focuses on sustainable management rather than strict exclusion.

"Being an OECM means bringing projects to the municipality, marine protection actions, and science-based support for fishing."

Xavier Reverté · Mayor of la Ràpita
The proposal is part of the Ebro Delta Blue Economy Strategic Project. Local authorities are working with the Generalitat and the Spanish Government to present the candidacy at the COP 2026 summit.