The said protected species is Patella ferruginea, which is a limpet that is in danger of extinction, along with other kinds of mollusks and coral.

So, what is it? The Patella ferruginea, is more commonly known as the Ribbed Mediterranean limpet. It is a  large limpet with a thick heavy shell. It can exceed 10 cm (4 in) in diameter, but usually barely exceeds 70 mm.

This limpet is on the verge of extinction in Spain, where fewer than a thousand individuals are thought to exist. A healthier populations is present in North Africa, with the largest being in the Spanish enclaves of Melilla and Ceuta.

The response from the said Ministry belonging to the Central Government orders the Town Hall tro carry out an inspection of the area where the marina is projected to be, paying special attention to large submerged rocks where limpets can usually be found.

Mayor Juan José Ruiz Joya considers that the Ministry’s decision is an “unjustified obstacle,” and pointed out that the project is the key to Almuñécar’s economy and future, empasising that the Junta is in ful approval.

The developer whose task is was to draw up the project, Sociedad Gestión Puerto de Almuñécar S.L., suggests that any such limpets should be simply moved elsewhere.

The marina project contemplates 500 berths for boats between eight and 25 metres in length, a dry dock on four levels, a 7,059 sq/m, launching ramp, more than 400 vehicle parking slots and an ample commercial area.

As for the location, it would be Playa de Fuentepiedra, which at present is a breakwater between Playa de Puerta del Mar and Urbanización Las Góndolas/Aquatropic.

(News: Almunecar, Costa Tropical, Granada, Andalucia)

Keywords: Marina, Playa Fuentepiedra, Berth, Patella Ferruginea, Project Rejected, Limpet

Reader’s comment: “Why one also in Almunecar? They are building a big one in Motril!” – E.J.