Spanish authorities have launched a clean up of waterborne rubbish off the Balearic islands. 40 specialist refuse boats have entered service and will patrol from one to four miles from the coast.
20 boats will be based in Majorca, nine in Minorca, nine in Ibiza and two in Formentera. Each boat is manned by a crew of two, who are directed by a spotter aircraft to areas where rubbish has accumulated.
The clean up, which is in its fourth summer of operation, will last until September. More than 200 tons of floating rubbish has been picked up each year, including wood, dead animals, builders rubble, and plastic bags.