Mallorca fishing: 90% of Balearic fleet in joint plans

Palma, Mallorca: 90% of the Balearic Islands’ professional fishing fleet now takes part in plans that give fishers a say in managing marine resources. Fishers, scientists and officials meet in the city on Thursday, 1 October, to discuss the future of fishing. The Balearic Islands’ director general for fisheries, Antoni M. Grau, says the government wants the entire professional fleet in these shared-management plans before 2030.

Joan Simonet, the Balearic Islands minister responsible for agriculture, fisheries and the natural environment, says fishers know how marine resources have changed and should help decide how they are managed. He spoke at the opening of a sustainable fishing conference organised by Mallorca’s Local Fisheries Action Group.

The government’s marine conservation plan sets out 28 measures across eight areas. It aims to maintain or restore the health of marine ecosystems while allowing for work that depends on the sea.

The fishing industry is also drawing up a trawling plan with the World Wide Fund for Nature and scientists from the Spanish Institute of Oceanography. Another plan covers small-scale fishing in the bays of Alcúdia and Pollença, Mallorca. The fisheries department is working with the industry and Calant Xarxes on a certification scheme for establishments serving local fish caught legally and sustainably.

On Friday, the conference turns to bringing younger people into fishing and selling fish on Mallorca. Fishers and scientists will also discuss their work together, while local fisheries groups share their projects.

Topics: Sea & coast · Agriculture · Politics · Economy · Palma · Alcúdia · Pollença

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com