The Medes Islands, located in front of our port, are a true underwater paradise that stands out for its rich biodiversity. Among the most emblematic species that inhabit these waters, the grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) occupies a special place.

Characteristics of the Grouper

The grouper is a large fish that can reach up to 1.5 metres in length and weigh up to 60 kg. It has a robust body with a greenish-brown colouring and light spots that provide excellent camouflage among rocks and corals. One of its most distinctive features is its large and powerful mouth, equipped with sharp teeth that allow it to capture its prey with ease.

It is a solitary and territorial fish, usually inhabiting rocky bottoms, caves and underwater crevices, where it finds refuge and establishes its territory. It is a species that moves with slow but determined movements, and has a curious and observant behaviour towards its surroundings. Although it is a predator, it is also an important prey for other large fish and sharks.

A fascinating aspect of the grouper is its reproductive cycle. It is a protogynous hermaphrodite species, which means that it is born female and, depending on environmental conditions and size, may eventually become a male during its lifetime. This sex change is key to maintaining population balance.

Habitat in the Medes Islands

The Medes Islands offer an ideal environment for groupers thanks to their rock formations, underwater caves and the protection provided by the marine reserve established in 1983. This protection has allowed the recovery of grouper populations, which had declined due to overfishing. Nowadays, it is common to observe large specimens at dive sites such as Las Cuñas, Túnel de la Vaca and Delfín Norte.

Biodiversity of the Natural Park

In addition to groupers, the Medes Islands are home to a wide variety of marine species. The meadows of Posidonia oceanica provide shelter and food for numerous organisms, while the underwater walls are covered with gorgonians and corals that are home to a great diversity of marine life. It is common to find octopuses, moray eels, barracudas and an infinity of colourful fish that make this a privileged place for diving and the study of underwater life.

Conservation and Protection

The preservation of the grouper in the Medes Islands is a key task to maintain the ecological balance of the area. The creation of the marine reserve and the strict protection regulations have allowed this species to proliferate again, but its conservation continues to be a priority.

In this sense, at Club Nàutic Estartit we carry out a whole series of actions dedicated to the sustainability and conservation of the marine environment, such as waste reduction, biodiversity protection and environmental awareness. We want to contribute to ensuring that emblematic species such as the grouper continue to inhabit the Medes Islands for generations, marvelling all those who are lucky enough to explore it.