Request for Proposal

Analysis and preparation of a report on a study of waste and plastic characterisation on the seabed of the Balearic Islands

The Mallorca Preservation, Menorca Preservation and IbizaPreservation foundations are developing a project across the Balearic Islands that aims to answer the question: How are the seabeds of our islands?

The inter-island project Tejiendo Futuro focuses on three aspects related to plastic pollution in the Balearic Islands: generating scientific knowledge, promoting the circular economy, and raising public awareness. To achieve this, three lines of action have been implemented: a waste study focusing on plastics on the seabed of the Balearic Sea; workshops bringing together craftswomen and artists to create a space that fosters the production of crafts and art using waste materials, giving waste its potential as a raw material once again; and performing arts workshops aimed at primary school children to raise awareness about plastic pollution, fostering a deeper connection with nature, recycling and sustainability.

Specifically, we are seeking an environmental consultancy to carry out data analysis and prepare the report on the study of plastic characterisation on the seabed of the Balearic Islands, with the goal of better understanding its presence, typology and abundance, as well as proposing hypotheses on its origin, dynamics and relationship with both environmental and social variables. The overall objectives are to reduce plastic pollution on the seabed and, above all, to create an accurate database and preliminary report that will enable the design of environmental management strategies and public awareness actions.

1. Service Objective

The main objective of the service is to prepare a report on a study of seabed waste in the Balearic Islands. It will be based on data collected during the surveys carried out by the different foundations.

Specifically, the data collected are organised into two time intervals, April-May-June and September-October-November, at seven sampling stations in Mallorca, Menorca and the Pitiusas (Ibiza and Formentera) respectively. Each survey records the following data:

  • Number of items/waste found per transect
  • Typology and categorisation of items/waste
  • Distribution of items/waste along the linear transect
  • Number of transects per station with their description (length, width and location within the station)
  • Detailed description of the stations by sub-region, location, type of seabed, depth, orientation, weather on the day of sampling, classification of beach type (natural, urban, semi-urban, whether part of a reserve or not).

Based on these data, we require a service that will study and analyse the following additional variables:

  • Marine currents in relation to each island and area
  • Nautical use of the area-station (determining levels according to available infrastructures or common nautical uses)
  • Proximity to urban centres
  • Proximity to discharge points and pipelines in marine waters
  • Meteorology
  • Bathymetry and seabed roughness

Analysis, results and report preparation: Analysis of the data collected during fieldwork, including a thorough characterisation of the waste collected (presence, typology, abundance, etc.), identification of high-concentration areas, proposed hypotheses of origin, and proposals for environmental management actions.

The proposed service will be carried out from September to December 2025.

Deliverables:

  • Document in scientific publication format, including sections on Methodology, Data Analysis, Results and Conclusions, with reference bibliography.
  • Images and maps based on study data and the parameters of the different variables used.

Basic features included in the service:

  • Follow-up meetings
  • The price includes all technical and human resources necessary for the proper execution of the tasks, personnel expenses (including social security and all costs regulated by labour law), as well as travel and transportation expenses within the island by the technical team.
  • The data and documentation will remain the property of the three foundations: Mallorca Preservation, IbizaPreservation and Menorca Preservation.

2. Project Timeline

During April and May, the first surveys were conducted, and we already have raw data for all four islands. During September and October, the second phase will take place, led by the foundations, replicating the sampling points.

Thus, the next deadlines are:

  • Remaining fieldwork: September – October 2025
  • Analysis, results and report preparation: September – December 2025
  • Dissemination of results: End of 2025

3. Requirements

The profile of the person or team will be evaluated based on:

  • Degree in Marine Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Biology or similar
  • Proven previous experience in similar studies

Specific skills in:

  • Identification and characterisation of plastics on the seabed
  • Knowledge of data management and geospatial mapping
  • Proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
  • Use of environmental data analysis software
  • Ability to analyse and synthesise results and conclusions

 

Given the nature of the study, preference will be given to applicants residing in the Balearic Islands.

4. Submission of proposals:

Please send the team’s CV, together with the technical and financial proposal, by 15 September 2025 to: irene@mallorcapreservation.org

For more information or specific details to prepare the proposal, please contact:

irene@mallorcapreservation.org (Mallorca Preservation)

observatorio@ibizapreservation.org (IbizaPreservation)

marta@plasticfreemenorca.org (Menorca Preservation).