The Local Fishing Action Group (GALP) of Ibiza and Formentera has presented a protocol for the removal of lost nets in the seabed, one of the main threats to the marine biodiversity of the archipelago. The initiative was discussed this Monday in the framework of the co-management commissions of the Artisanal Fishing Management Plan of the Pitiusas and the Management Plan for Fishing with Traditional Fishing Gear, in a session held in Ibiza.
During the meeting, which was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Natural Environment, fishermen’s guilds, scientists and environmental organizations, the results of the last season were discussed and new measures were analyzed to move towards a “more sustainable fishing and adapted to the socio-economic reality of the Balearic Islands”, as reported by the Conselleria.
Among the topics discussed was the proposal of the Balearic Government to set a minimum size of ‘cerviola’, as well as the initiative of the Consell de Formentera to modify the marine reserves of the island, in order to ensure a balance between conservation and fishing activity.
Training and technological control in fisheries
The session also served to present the fishing effort monitoring data obtained through electronic positioners or “green boxes”, which allow to control the routes and tasks of artisanal vessels. Likewise, the Cofradía de Sant Antoni proposed modifying the setting period of the gear for lobster catching, while the Marilles Foundation announced the celebration of a course on good practices for releasing sharks and rays caught accidentally.
According to the Conselleria, “these co-management spaces, integrated by administrations, fishermen’s associations, scientists and environmental organizations, are essential to guarantee the environmental, economic and social sustainability of artisanal fishing in the Balearic Islands”.
Results of the 2024-2025 campaign
Regarding the Plan for Fishing with Traditional Fishing Gear, the Directorate General of Fisheries presented the results of the 2024-2025 campaign, with more than 27 tons of fish caught and a total value of more than 290,000 euros. In addition, the Govern informed of the request for a new extension before the European Commission to maintain the derogation provided for in Regulation (EC) 1967/2006, which regulates traditional gears in the Mediterranean.
