The Rural Agents are investigating an alleged sabotage against the nesting of the European shag on the via ferrata of Cala del Molí, in Sant Feliu de Guíxols, after detecting the intentional placement of stones fixed with cement and other elements at various points on the wall to prevent this protected species from being able to nest.
The discovery occurred during the inspections that the Mountain Support Group carries out in this area of the Massís de les Cadiretes Natural Interest Area. For approximately one month, the personnel have been closely monitoring the nests of crested cormorants in the area, in the middle of the breeding season.
Open investigation in Cala del Molí
The elements placed on the wall would have aimed to alter the breeding points of this seabird, which in Catalonia maintains nesting populations especially linked to the Costa Brava. The Agents Rurals are now trying to clarify who is behind these events.
The body reminds that destroying or seriously altering the habitat of a protected species can constitute a crime against wildlife, by deliberately affecting its breeding space. In addition to the possible criminal route, this type of action can also lead to administrative sanctions for infringing current environmental regulations.
Two couples have been able to nest after removing the obstacles
Once the cemented stones were removed, two pairs of European shag have finally been able to nest in the area. It is a protected species that breeds in very specific enclaves of the Catalan rocky coast, with an especially sensitive presence in stretches of the Costa Brava.
Following what happened, the Rural Agents have reinforced surveillance in the vicinity of the via ferrata to prevent new alterations in the nesting areas while the investigation continues.
The via ferrata remains closed since March
The Cala del Molí via ferrata currently remains closed due to this recent nesting process. The total closure was agreed on March 20, 2026, following a report from the Rural Agents, after the two nests were located. The decision affected the section that still remained open and was added to the previous closure of the other sector of the facility, so the via ferrata was temporarily out of service.
The Sant Feliu de Guíxols City Council reported a few weeks ago about that complete closure. The forecast is that the facility can reopen between May and June, depending on the evolution of the breeding period.
It is not the first time that this enclave has been subject to temporary restrictions due to the presence of the European shag. The Cala del Molí via ferrata has been coexisting for years with access limitations during the breeding season, and the second section had already been closed in previous seasons for the same reason. In that context, the Rural Agents had also reported hikers and climbers on other occasions for disregarding the established restrictions to protect the species.