Vigo as a Global Fisheries Hub: Insights from High-Level Talks and Shared Initiatives
Vigo has emerged as a focal point for international fisheries following the Conxemar expo held last week and the parallel session organized with the FAO. In those days, naval officers and industry leaders from across the globe gathered in this port city known for its olive traditions. A prominent presence came from Portugal, which presented a substantial booth at Ifevi and engaged with companies and government bodies. Among the attendees was Teresa Coelho, a high-ranking official responsible for national fisheries policy.
– It is widely understood that the fisheries relationship between Portugal and Spain has long been collaborative. Does this ring true?
The ties are strong and both countries maintain a robust dialogue with the Spanish Government and its Fisheries General Secretariat. In addition, the two nations operate a formal fisheries agreement and coordinate their actions in a structured, ongoing manner.
In recent years, the dialogue has increasingly centered on safeguarding the Iberian sardine stock. Is the situation improving?
– Sardine stock health is a priority for both nations. Although it is not subject to formal capture limits in the same way as other species, the distribution of catch shares stands at roughly 66.5% for Portugal and 33.5% for Spain. A joint management plan has been developed, and the resource has shown encouraging improvements. Collaborative scientific campaigns have become routine, and expectations point toward a higher permissible catch next year. The authorities remain in close contact with the Fisheries General Secretariat to outline annual plans, with a hopeful outlook for increased quotas.
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– With the recovery underway, the Galician fleet seeks a more balanced distribution between fleets. How is that being addressed?
– The issue of allocation is not the focus here. The emphasis lies on acknowledging that historical catches have stabilized, and both Portuguese and Spanish fleets should be able to harvest more as the resource recovers. The priority remains keeping sardine populations healthy so they can continue to be caught, sold, and valued. Maintaining fishing livelihoods is essential, and careful resource management will be pursued to ensure fishing can continue for as long as possible.
– Another shared resource outside of common waters is cod. Are there ongoing challenges with Norway?
– Coordination exists on cod stocks. The most recent NAFO annual meeting, held in Porto, yielded a 52% increase in the total allowable catch for the 3M area. This is positive. Regarding Norway, negotiations are ongoing, and the European Commission is being asked to seek clarifications before the December council to help Iberian fishermen plan for the coming year.
– What will Portugal push for in the upcoming quota negotiations?
– The main concerns include the cod situation in Svalbard, Norway. Anchovy remains a priority, and discussions with the Commission since 2021 aim to advance benchmarks for the species, with a 2024 timeline in view. The goal is to re-evaluate the TAC for next year, aligning with the regulatory period from July 1 to June 30 of the following year. Hake is also in focus, though it remains calm. Deep-sea species seen in November require more data, and there is ongoing attention to stock management across the board.
– The bottom-fishing veto in 87 regions is among the pressing issues. What is Portugal’s position?
– A regulation should provide certainty for fishermen about where they can operate. Portugal does not face the same scale of difficulty as Spain but maintains a close alignment with its neighbor. The main hurdles involve clearly defined coordinate delimitation and greater industry participation to ensure practical and enforceable rules.
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– Spain has signaled it will pursue a legal challenge. Might Portugal follow suit?
– The issue was debated at the council, with Portugal supporting the stance alongside Spain. The position aligns with industry interests, aiming to minimize disruption and ensure clarity on fishing locations.
– Some sectors in Spain argue the regulation lacks scientific grounding. How does Portugal view this?
– The European Commission is urged to clarify the precise coordinates. A joint letter with Spain has emphasized the need for rigor and legal certainty to prevent enforcement problems. In this context, Portugal stands with Spain, France, and Ireland, seeking clear, actionable guidance.