European Union (EU) Fisheries Ministers, Total Allowed Catch (TAC) and 2023 quotas double the southern hake quota for Spain The increase made by the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food compared to 2022, Luis Planasdescribed it as “historic”.
He celebrated the agreement reached by the ministers on Tuesday after a meeting. “long, complex and difficult” negotiation With a “historic” deal for southern hake, which Spain was pleased with and doubled its 2022 quota to 9,953 tonnes globally by 2023, it was “the best figure in the last 8 years and second best of the century“. This figure represents big increase Regarding the 10% increase proposed in the European Commission’s initial proposal, 1,200 boats from the autonomous communities of Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria and the Basque Country will benefit.
The deal came too soon 22 consecutive hours of trading On the second day of the meeting, before the first meeting on Sunday, the day the minister has already envisioned a “fishing marathon”.
Moreover mackerel quota increased by 20 percent It provides Spain with 29,439 tons of this species caught by around 900 boats in the Cantabrian Sea, which is a 5,500-tonne fine up until last year when Planas thought it had “improved” the situation. while horse mackerel quota The Brussels-recommended TAC has moved from 0 to a revised 3,271 tonnes of bycatch, 4% of the 70,000 in 2022, indicating that the stock is in “poor condition”, according to Planas. There is still work to be done, but the result is positive in this context,” he said.
Regarding the haddock, sole and functional units of the Norwegian lobster, the minister pointed out that Spain also fulfilled its objectives by maintaining the fishing quotas given to it in the face of the 11% discounts proposed by the Commission. 10% for haddock and 36% for Norwegian lobster.
Another issue that Planas describes as “complex” due to the number of Member States involved is, eel fishing agreed for a six-month ban in two continuous or consecutive 3-month periodsAs requested by Spain.
Finally, Planas underlined that the Member States and the fishing sector are of great interest. offer from Spain France Y Portugal setting multi-year quotas to end “endless night sessions” To better organize the work of the Fisheries Minister’s meetings and the council.
effort reduction
attribution Reducing effort days in the MediterraneanSpain’s other priority, Planas, celebrates the reduction from 7.5% of the initial bid to 7%, while compensation has been increased from 3% to 3.5%, representing a net reduction of 9 to 10 days. fishing per boat.
The minister noted, however, that hunting days are dwindling. seems to him an “inadequate” tool From a sustainability standpoint, despite progress in these areas, Planas acknowledged that Spain “had to vote against this regulation” as it had a “fundamental disagreement” with the Commission in its implementation and interpretation. Western Mediterranean regulation, as it believes that sustainability in 2025 will be achieved through selectivity, not shortening of days in fishing.
The Commission’s proposal also had an impact on the two measures that Spain appealed to the EU High Court of Justice: the introduction of the maximum catch limit for red shrimp, which fell from 7% to 5%, and the catch regime. Longline fishing effort for hailfish where the ban was lifted.
England and Norway
when it comes negotiations with United KingdomRegarding tuna, Planas confirmed that although Spain was granted access to British waters for the first time, the deal was not done. Meanwhile, there is a 5% quota increase for northern hake; VII. monkfish from the region were 11% and VII. Roosters from the region also increased by 14%.
No agreement was made with either. NorwayNegotiations were blocked, as was the case in the UK last year, mandating the adoption of quarterly quotas to prevent the fleet from having to cease operations.