Formentera authorises recreational blue crab harvesting

A regulatory amendment allows recreational fishing to be used as a tool to control this invasive species, which is especially present in the Estany des Peix.

The Councillor for Agriculture, Fisheries and the Natural Environment, Joan Simonet, held a working meeting yesterday, Thursday June 4, with the president of the Formentera Island Council, Óscar Portas, where various issues related to fishing, marine resource management and projects promoted by the regional ministry on the island were discussed.

During the meeting, Simonet announced that recreational anglers will be allowed to catch blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) in Formentera thanks to a regulatory change included in the Law of urgent measures to accelerate strategic projects that contribute to the economic transformation of the Balearic Islands and other administrative simplification and streamlining measures, recently approved by the Parliament of the Balearic Islands and pending publication in the BOIB.

The reform allows this invasive species to be excluded from the general ban on the recreational capture of decapod crustaceans.

The measure responds to the increasing presence of this invasive species in different parts of the archipelago and especially in Estany des Peix, where a high concentration of specimens has been detected. With this regulatory change, the regional government also involves recreational anglers in efforts to control the species.

In this regard, the blue crab is excluded from the general ban on decapod crustaceans. Consequently, its capture is subject to the general shellfishing regime for invertebrate species without a specific quota, which sets a limit of two kilograms per person per day.

Councillor Joan Simonet highlighted that “this is a measure responding to a demand raised in Formentera, allowing us to join efforts in controlling an invasive species that is of increasing concern to sea users and the fishing sector.” Simonet added that “the collaboration of recreational fishers can help reduce the presence of the blue crab in particularly sensitive areas and reinforce the actions already being carried out by the authorities.”

He also noted that “the amendment provides a new tool for managing an invasive species that is generating growing concern in Formentera and strengthens society’s involvement in the conservation of marine ecosystems.”

During the meeting, the status of the planned expansion of the Freus Marine Reserve of Ibiza and Formentera was also discussed. Simonet explained that the project has already passed the public consultation period and that the next step is to submit it to the Advisory Council (Consell Consultiu) to continue the administrative process.

It should be noted that the expansion of the Marine Reserve will strengthen the protection of fishery resources and improve the management of one of the most ecologically valuable marine areas in the Balearic Islands. The proposal has been developed with the involvement of administrations and stakeholders to ensure the widest possible consensus.

“The future expansion of the Marine Reserve is an important step forward in continuing to preserve marine resources and ensuring that fishing and recreational activities are carried out in a way that is compatible with the protection of this privileged environment,” the councillor said.

Another issue addressed was the project to build a new public slipway in northern Formentera. The councillor reported that the necessary permits are already in place to begin the tendering process for the infrastructure, which will be financed through funds from the Sustainable Tourism Tax (ITS).

The infrastructure was initially designed to facilitate marine surveillance tasks in the north of the island, but it will also have public use and improve sea access in this area of Formentera.

In addition, the new slipway will help strengthen maritime surveillance and control tasks related to the management of marine reserves and protected areas, while also serving sea users.

“This infrastructure responds to a long-standing need in Formentera and will help both improve services for sea users and reinforce marine conservation and monitoring tasks,” Simonet said.

During the institutional visit to Formentera, the councillor also visited a local farm accompanied by the president of the Formentera Agricultural Cooperative (Cooperativa del Camp de Formentera), Marcos Ribas, and assessed the progress of the agricultural season. Although it is still too early for a definitive evaluation, initial estimates point to a normal cereal campaign. Barley yields stand at around 1,100 kilograms per hectare, while wheat ranges between 600 and 700 kilograms per hectare. In the case of oats, production is slightly below expectations, at around 600 kilograms per hectare. As for fodder crops, it is still too early to provide final data, although current forecasts suggest a season similar to last year.

Later, Joan Simonet met with the president of the Small and Medium-Sized Business Association of Formentera (PIMEF), Pep Mayans, and members of its board. The meeting addressed possible lines of collaboration regarding the “De Formentera amb molt de gust” brand, among other issues related to the island’s economic and business development. With both the Agricultural Cooperative and PIMEF representatives, the councillor shared the main work lines of the ministry and learned first-hand about the concerns and needs of Formentera’s productive sectors.