A new Management Plan for Professional Fishing in the inland waters of Pollença and Alcúdia bays has been approved by the Consell de Govern, introducing limits on fishing activity while seeking to maintain the professional fleet, vessel numbers, production and employment.
The regulation, proposed by the Conselleria de Agricultura, Pesca y Medio Natural, aims to combine the environmental, economic and social sustainability of professional fishing with the continuation of activity in an area where fishing is strongly seasonal.
Fishing activity in Pollença and Alcúdia bays is most intensive between February and August and decreases during the remainder of the year. The new Plan adapts management measures to this pattern and is based on a proposal submitted in 2024 by the fishermen’s associations of Pollença, Alcúdia and Cala Rajada under the principles of co-management and sustainability.
The Plan applies to the inland waters of the two bays within the straight baseline running between Cape Formentor and Cape Freu.
The area overlaps with several forms of environmental protection, including Natura 2000 sites, the Llevant de Mallorca Marine Reserve and the Península de Llevant Natural Park.
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New fisheries management plan sets limits for professional fishing in Pollença and Alcúdia bays. Fishing activity capped at 180 days per vessel
One of the main measures is a reduction in the fishing effort authorised for small-scale fishing and shellfishing vessels.
Each vessel based at the affected fishermen’s associations will be allowed to fish for a maximum of 180 days per year. An overall ceiling of 7,000 fishing days per year has also been set for the small-scale and shellfishing fleet covered by the Plan.
Activity will be monitored through the Balearic Islands Fishing Vessel Location and Monitoring System (SLSEPIB) and catch sales records.
A specific register will also be created, allowing a maximum of 80 vessels to operate within the area covered by the Plan.
Between 1 February and 31 August, small-scale and shellfishing vessels will be permitted to fish for up to six days per week. From 1 September to 31 January, vessels must observe a compulsory weekly rest period of at least 41 consecutive hours and may fish for no more than four days per week.
The Plan bans purse-seine fishing within the regulated area and introduces a single annual draw for traditional fixed fishing gear locations.
Measures are also included to reduce accidental seabird catches from longline fishing, while a 105-day closed season is established for octopus.
For trawling vessels, fishing will be prohibited from 1 April to 31 August, with activity limited to a maximum of three days per week and vessel.
Co-management and scientific monitoring
A consultative co-management commission will bring together the Administration, the fishing industry, the scientific sector and nature conservation organisations to increase cooperation and the exchange of information.
Participants will include the fishermen’s associations of Pollença, Alcúdia and Cala Rajada, the Balearic Federation of Fishermen’s Associations, the Directorate General for Fisheries, the Directorate General for the Natural Environment and Forest Management, scientists and conservation organisations.
Administrative and scientific monitoring will cover fleet activity, sales records, green-box data, scientific work carried out on board vessels and fisheries inspections.
Specific marine biodiversity measures are also included. These provide for mapping areas containing the gorgonian species Paramuricea clavata and Eunicella singularis, as well as studies of underwater noise pollution and its possible effects on marine species.
Green boxes for trawlers from 2029
The Decree also amends the rules governing the Balearic Islands Fishing Vessel Location and Monitoring System to include trawlers.
These vessels will be required to carry the so-called green box from 1 January 2029. The system is already used by small-scale and purse-seine fishing vessels.
The regulation also changes recreational fishing rules by extending the validity of spearfishing licences from one year to three years, bringing them into line with other recreational fishing licences and reducing administrative procedures.
The Management Plan will initially remain in force for six years. It may subsequently be extended for successive two-year periods following a report from the Co-management Commission.