The environmental group in Majorca, Oceana, has been conducting research in the waters surrounding the island. The have collected samples from over 300 species and about 15 different ecosystems. The expansion of a wellness resort and spa, with golf courses and conference rooms and 5 star hotel Majorca residents are worried that this will upset not only the diverse and abundant life just under the water but the plant life and wildlife that will be affected by the golf courses. They members of Oceana and the environmentally concerned locals fear that it will only get worse, as the wetlands and natural grass has been already negatively affected. They are making a desperate plea to the marine reserve there, El Toro to expand the area that should remain protected, the prohibiting future development in the area.
In the waters just east of the protected land, many species of coral have been found using under water robots. Coral that is already in danger of becoming extinct. Also found was a rare form of seaweed, calcified and not rooted in the sea floor, which provides home and habitat for many different species, and contributes to the wealth of this marine biodiversity. Laminaria, the most abundant species of algae in the Mediterranean is abundant but was seriously damaged with the trawling of the under water nets. And in amongst these species of underwater plant life, the robot found abundant trash. Garbage such as plastic bags, tires and lawn chairs. Thus leading to a call for further expansion of the reserve to protect the waters and the ocean floor gardens from fisherman. What is being proposed is an underwater scuba park in the waters between Ibiza and Majorca. This would insure growth in the tourism industry, will protecting and preserving the environment and the life that lives in that environment.