The Atabaka association, based in the tourist town of Lekeitio, has once again voiced its criticism regarding the negative impact of jet skis on the biodiversity of Garraitz island. This concern follows an international jet ski tournament on the Gipuzkoan coast and the subsequent incursion of many participants into the coastal areas of Ondarroa and Lekeitio in recent weeks.
For some people, the damage that the noise and pollution from these jet skis cause, for example, to the peregrine falcon that has chosen the islet to settle, may be of little importance, but for us as an entity that seeks to defend the natural heritage of the region, it is a denouncable fact that requires immediate regulation.
The group, which has been responsible for archaeological excavations on the islet under the direction of the Aranzadi Science Society, fears that the situation will become even more "unbearable" with the arrival of good weather and the influx of tourists during the Easter holidays. They criticize that jet skis "pass at full speed, circling the island with deafening noise when they come in groups, and although reported, we do not have a tool to act upon it."
Fines for jet ski infractions in Bizkaia, as in the rest of Spain, are regulated by state merchant marine legislation. These economic penalties can range from 500 to 3,000 euros, depending on the severity, and can reach up to 5,000 euros in cases of reckless use.
If you add to that scenario the imprudent people who go to the island without the slightest respect or awareness of the place they are treading, the people who let their dogs loose, and the drones that constantly fly over the space, the need for its protection through declaring it a Natural Reserve becomes evident.
Although it is not the first time this procedure has been demanded, the Lekeitio City Council has admitted its fear that it could have the opposite effect, turning the area into an invaded space "as happened in Gaztelugatxe." Nevertheless, the Council has called a first meeting with Atabaka to analyze the situation and evaluate the implementation of the procedure.
This way, we will have a legal tool to act to prohibit drones from flying over and to ensure that jet skis respect minimum distances. In case of non-compliance, we can report it and they will take us seriously.
The Basque Government already decided in 2019 to protect its approximately 6.5 hectares by cataloging it as an archaeological park to preserve the historical treasures housed in its three sites after years of excavations.
