Save the Bay

The Problem

In 2022, it came to our attention that a major harbour expansion was being planned for Corralejo and we knew we had to act. The project threatened not only the waves we love, but also the fragile biodiversity and unique charm of this beautiful bay. The construction of a large industrial dock posed serious risks to local ecosystems, marine life, and wave spots. The planned location of the new dock would have altered or possibly destroyed the waves at Punta Elena, Waikiki, and El Muelle, with more breaks likely to be affected. Reduced water renewal in the bay, combined with increased boat traffic and decreased water movement, would have created a hostile environment for wildlife. It was an unnecessary and disproportionate construction that offered no real improvement to the existing harbour only irreversible consequences for nature.

Protection of biodiversity

Corralejo is part of Natura 2000, a European network of protected areas. The surrounding zones, including the LIC (Lugar de Importancia Comunitaria), ZEC (Zona Especial de Conservación), and ZEPA (Zona de Especial Protección para las Aves), are home to species such as the Risso’s dolphin, Loggerhead and Green sea turtles, Angel shark, Humpback, Pilot, and Sperm whales, as well as endangered seabirds.
Despite being funded with public money, the harbour project moved forward without community consultation or transparency. This lack of public involvement raised serious concerns about the misuse of public funds and stood in direct contradiction to Fuerteventura’s status as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, where sustainability and biodiversity protection are meant to guide all development.

Fuerteventura remains one of the few Canary Islands where nature is still largely untouched. Its raw beauty, clear waters, and natural surf spots are not only worth preserving, they are the reason so many people fall in love with this place. We believe protecting this identity is not just necessary, it is non-negotiable.

The Resistance

The harbour expansion plans were not widely known to the public, so when we became aware of what was about to happen, our first step was to bring the issue into the spotlight. This sparked a major protest, where we mobilised local communities, NGOs, surfers, environmentalists, and joined forces with global allies. Together, we built strong support for our petition. Our goal was not only to oppose the project but to propose a better path forward, one that protects the waves, biodiversity, and unique character of Corralejo.

Actions taken since 2021

2021
Launching Campaign

Bringing the construction plans to the public eye by campaigning across social media platforms and sending out press releases.
Read more
2023
Spreading Awareness

Creating an informative video highlighting the consequences of the harbour expansion.
Watch the video
Building a Network

Creating an alliance between environmental groups in the Canary Islands and hosting a press conference with all the supporting partners represented.
Read more
Petition

Creating a petition directed at the decision-makers responsible for approving or denying the funding of the project, urging them to reconsider the potential environmental and social impacts.
Sign the petition
La Voz de Fuerteventura

Interview with a local radio station.
Listen to the interview
Visual Identity – Salva la Bahía

Creating the visual identity for Salva la Bahía to inform the public and build awareness using posters, free postcards, and merchandise.
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Protest

Mobilising the public with a protest to show that the general population does not support the project. Timed before the local elections, the protest had a significant impact on voters and political promises.
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World Surfing Reserve

Submitting an application to Save The Waves to be selected as a World Surfing Reserve and protect the surf breaks and surf ecosystems from future developments.
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Project Zero

Meetings with local politicians to present an alternative harbour plan that modernises the current infrastructure without expanding it. Created in collaboration with local harbour expert Daniel Bastos and other community members.
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2024
Local Government Opposes the Harbour Project

After several meetings, the local government publicly stated their opposition to the “Mega Puerto” plan.
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Canarias tiene un límite

Joining Canarian protests in order to draw broader public attention to the harbour project.
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INFORMATIVE MEETING

Clean Ocean Project hosts a public information meeting about the status of the harbour project and the campaign.
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Amplify Campaign

The 2023 application for World Surfing Reserve was nominated in the top 6. A 2024 application was submitted with full support from Save The Waves, who are now helping amplify our campaign.
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Exposing Fraud and Biased Reports

A protest during the local climate conference, followed by a national press release revealing contradictions and irregularities in the project’s environmental reporting.
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Denouncing the Harbour Project

Clean Ocean Project issued a press release announcing its intention to denounce the original harbour project to the European Commission.
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2025
Alternative ZERO Gains Support

Meeting with government officials to formally propose the Alternative ZERO plan.
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Surfonomi Study

Launch of a surfonomic study to highlight the economic value of surfing and watersports in La Oliva. Aimed at strengthening the case for a sustainable blue economy and coastline conservation.
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Campaign Video – Salva la Bahía

A short documentary featuring local voices, premiered at the International Ocean Film Tour in Fuerteventura (June 2025). Digital release scheduled for November 2025.
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