Balearic Islands set new minimum sizes for fishing of smoothhound, amberjack, and red scorpionfish

This is a pioneering measure being applied for the first time, not only in the Balearic Islands but across Europe, aimed at promoting the conservation of key marine species.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Natural Environment, through the Directorate General for Fisheries and at the request of the fishing sector, has established a minimum catch size of 95 cm for the smooth-hound shark (Mustelus mustelus) in the Balearic Islands. The order, issued by Minister Joan Simonet and published in the BOIB, introduces this rule for the first time, marking a European milestone in marine conservation. Simonet emphasized that "once again, the Ministry has responded to the sector’s request and remains committed to working together to preserve the archipelago’s fishery resources."

Additionally, the Directorate General for Fisheries, responding to requests from the Balearic Federation of Fishermen’s Guilds and GOB, will monitor catches and conduct a study on the survival rate of undersized smooth-hound sharks caught accidentally.

In recent years, catches of this species, especially juveniles, have increased significantly in the Balearics, largely due to trawling. However, these smaller specimens have low market value. These facts led the government to introduce a minimum size to help protect the species and stabilize its presence in markets.

The same regulation also raises the minimum size for recreational fishing of the amberjack (Seriola dumerili) and red scorpionfish (Scorpaena scrofa) in Balearic waters.

For amberjack, the permanent minimum recreational catch size is increased to 35 cm, to make younger fish less vulnerable. Previously, between July 1 and September 15 (for Mallorca and Menorca) and until September 30 (for Ibiza and Formentera), the minimum size was 30 cm; outside of that season, there were no limits. This species grows very quickly, going from 100 grams at 20 cm to 470 grams at 35 cm in just a few weeks during the fall.

Regarding the red scorpionfish, the current recreational minimum is 25 cm, but the first sexual maturity for females is around 29 cm. This gap allows for the capture of individuals that have not yet reproduced, endangering population renewal. To ensure the species can reproduce before being caught, the regulation proposes raising the minimum catch size to 30 cm.