EU Reaches Fishing Quota Agreement: Spanish Fleet in Mediterranean to Maintain 143 Fishing Days

In a significant breakthrough for the Spanish fishing industry, the European Union reached an agreement early Saturday morning regarding the distribution of fishing quotas in community waters. This new arrangement allows the Spanish fleet in the Mediterranean to maintain the same number of fishing days as this year, specifically 143 days, through 2026, provided they implement new compensatory measures. Luis Planas, the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, acknowledged in statements made after the agreement was concluded that negotiations were more arduous than in previous years. This was largely due to the restrictive negotiating framework proposed by the European Executive. "It is an evident success," Planas stated, reflecting on the agreement and the measures that will be implemented by the sector. Initially, Brussels had requested a drastic 65% cut in fishing days, reducing the quota down to only 97 days. However, there was a potential for recovery, bringing the level of activity closer to the 130 fishing days expected in 2024, contingent upon addressing the new compensatory measures—an idea received with skepticism by both the government and the fishing sector. The framework of the agreement also stipulates crucial environmental considerations. Beyond the existing limits on flying doors and nets established this year, there will be a permanent closure of fishing activities involving red shrimp trawlers in waters deeper than 600 meters. Additionally, a ban on bottom trawling has been instituted at depths shallower than 800 meters, emphasizing the EU's commitment to sustainable fishing practices. In terms of other regions, Spain successfully negotiated to lessen cuts on certain species. For instance, in the Atlantic, the proposed reduction for sole was mitigated from 28% to a final 9%, and for haddock, from an initial 26% to 18%. "We have concluded two intense days of discussion in Brussels and achieved a good result: 143 days of fishing for the Mediterranean fleet without additional selectivity measures," Planas shared in a video posted on social media platform X. This agreement marks a pivotal moment as Spain navigates the complex balance between maintaining industry viability and ensuring the sustainability of marine resources. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2