Spanish Fishing Sector: Challenges, EU Policies, and Sustainability

The Spanish Fishing Sector: Characteristics and Production

The Spanish fishing space is divided into 8 regions, plus the major northwest zone.

Fish production has these features:

• Species caught are categorized in three parts: by their whitefish value, and by tonnage (sardines and anchovies).
• The primary destination of fishing products is human consumption.
• Landings experienced strong growth through 1976.

Challenges and Crisis in the Spanish Fishing Sector

The Spanish fishing sector is currently experiencing a crisis, characterized by:

• A decrease in the active population employed in the sector.
• A decline in its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
• A foreign trade deficit, largely due to high domestic consumption.

Problems in Fishing Grounds

Fishing is conducted in specific fisheries, which are appropriate places for setting or throwing nets.

• National fisheries resources offer modest yields because the continental shelf is small.
• Community fishing areas are subject to a system of quotas.
• Restrictions on international fisheries began in 1974.

Structural and Demographic Challenges

The active population in fisheries is characterized by its decrease and aging.

• The decrease is attributed to the crisis in artisanal fisheries, largely due to the depletion of fishing grounds.
• Aging primarily affects the population working in the artisanal fleet.

The Spanish fishing fleet also presents problems:

• Its current size is considered excessive.
• There is a lack of small tonnage vessels.

Environmental Issues in Fisheries

Environmental problems stem from:

• Overfishing of fishery resources.
• Water pollution caused by agricultural, urban, and industrial discharges.

EU Integration, Regulation, and Transformation of Spanish Fisheries

Spain's integration into the European Union (EU) has implied an almost total surrender of its sovereignty regarding fishing guidelines. The consequences include:

• Spain's integration into the EU internal market.
• Liberalization of trade with the EU.
• Adaptation of regulations to EU measures, including retraining and environmental protection.

EU Regulation of Fishing Access

The EU regulates access to community fisheries and manages fishing agreements with other countries. Agreements with Morocco are among the oldest, but the EU is also signing agreements with other African and Indian Ocean nations.

Reconversion and Structural Adjustment Measures

Principal measures taken include:

• Reduction in fleet size and transfer of fishing vessels.
• Joint ventures with other countries.
• Renewal and modernization of the fleet and improvement of fishing equipment.
• Granting aid to regions negatively affected by replanting efforts.

Aquaculture and research into new ways of obtaining resources have emerged as solutions to the deficit of fish products.

• Freshwater aquaculture: Activities are varied, including fish breeding, animal production, and egg production for restocking.
• Marine aquaculture: Primarily aimed at shellfish production.

Environmental Policy and Resource Recovery

Measures for environmental problems include:

• Setting quota restrictions or prohibitions.
• Regulating fishing gear and methods.
• National fish stock recovery programs.