The National High Court´s Chamber of Administrative Litigation, has formally demanded the Ministry of Defence, to give in the required documentation about the sinking of the frigate “Baleares” in the waters of Calvià, with the aim of creating an artificial reef, in order to unblock the appeal, which mentioned Chamber is processing, with regards to this project. Thus, the National High Court considers that the Central Government, directed by Rodríguez Zapatero is extending the hand over of mentioned documentation and demands him to facilitate it or explain the reasons why he does not send the information requested, alerting him that, if he does not do it ,shortly, they will impose him the corresponding fine.

The project for the creation of an artificial reef in Calvià is, at present, paralized in the National High Court, which will have to resolve the appeal which has the Town Hall against the Central Government, who denies the concession of the corresponding permit, because of the supposed impact that the sinking of the frigate could cause to the marine environment.

However, a report carried out by the National High Court´s expert, the biologist, Juan A. Malo de Molina, supports the Calvià Town Hall´s theory and thinks that the project fulfills the DMA´s (Directiva Marco del Agua) requirements. It is to be recalled that the Calvià Town Hall started the process for the creation of an artificial reef, in July 2005. For more than five years, the Town Hall has not stopped within its goal to achieve this project, which will contribute to diversify the tourist offer, meeting once more, with the Central Government´s objections.

The studies carried out about the project, show that the reef would increase the area´s marine life; would protect the Oceanic Posidonia prairies and would decrease the pressure of the natural reefs, next to the Malgrats and El Toro. From the socioeconomic point of view, it would attract a tourism of quality and of high purchasing power during the whole year, fact that, with no doubt, would contribute to alleviate the tourist seasonal standstill.