Fishing in Spain: Challenges, Sectors, and Aquaculture

Fishing in Spain: An Overview

Fishing is an activity with an ancient tradition that has been losing economic weight, although it remains important in Galicia and in the Spanish diet in general.

Spanish Fishing Sectors

The Spanish fishing area is divided into eight sectors:

• Northwest
• Cantabria
• North Winds
• Levantine
• Mediterranean Region
• South Atlantic
• Balearic Islands
• Canary Islands

The main destination for fishing is human consumption. Three-quarters of the catch are fish and shellfish. The remainder is notable for its white fish value and tonnage of sardines and anchovies. Landings experienced a large increase until 1976.

Challenges in the Fishing Industry

Fishing activity is in a crisis, as shown by the decrease in the workforce, the decline in GDP contribution and foreign trade, and the use of jig fishing. The main problem is the depletion of national stocks due to reduced shelf space and over-exploitation. Restrictions are also imposed by the community through a system of coordinates.

Restrictions on international fishing began in 1974 with a widespread extension of exclusive fishing zones to 200 miles from the coast. This posed a problem for Spain, as it depended on fisheries agreements and had to reduce its catch. The major international fishing grounds are in the Atlantic and Western Indian Oceans.

Structural Problems

The fishing industry faces structural problems. The labor force is decreasing due to the exhaustion of stocks, mechanization of fishing vessels, and the reduction of fishing licenses. The population working in the coastal fleet is also aging.

The fishing fleet size is problematic, having grown excessively until 1977. It is now too large due to rising oil prices and the establishment of exclusive fishing zones beyond 200 miles. Environmental problems include overexploitation of fishery resources and water pollution from agricultural, urban, industrial, and oil discharges.

Solutions and Policies

To solve these problems, a policy of restructuring and regulation was implemented. Entry into the EU led to the Common Fisheries Policy. The EU regulates the community's surplus and manages fishing agreements for deficit products.

Aquaculture in Spain

Freshwater aquaculture has more than 2000 farms, breeding fish for human consumption. Marine aquaculture is mainly aimed at molluscs and fish, including bream.