Government sanctions 14 amberjacks capture in Ibiza for not meeting the minimum size requirements

The inspection took place in Punta Prima, within the Reserva Marina de los Freus, where authorities confirmed that the fish measured between 26 and 29 cm, while the minimum legal catch size is 35 cm.

The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Natural Environment, Joan Simonet, emphasized “the importance of maintaining these monitoring controls to ensure compliance with regulations and guarantee sustainable fishing.” Through the fisheries inspection staff of the Directorate General of Fisheries, the Conselleria de Agricultura, Pesca y Medio Natural confiscated 14 undersized amberjack from recreational fishermen. Specifically, the seized specimens measured between 26 and 29 cm, below the minimum catch size of 35 cm. The violation occurred in Formentera, in Punta Prima, within the Reserva Marina dels Freus de Ibiza y Formentera, and the boat originated from Ibiza. In addition, the specimens had not had the lobe of the caudal fin cut, as required by Balearic regulations since 2014.

Minister Joan Simonet stressed “the importance of maintaining these surveillance controls to ensure compliance with regulations.” He further stated that “respecting minimum catch sizes is essential to guarantee sustainable fishing and to preserve marine resources.”

It should be noted that this past June, in agreement with the sector, the Conselleria de Agricultura, Pesca y Medio Natural increased the minimum size for recreational amberjack fishing, setting a permanent minimum catch size of 35 cm. From 1999 until the June amendment, the minimum legal size was 30 cm. Therefore, under neither the current regulation nor the previous one did the confiscated specimens comply with the minimum catch size.

The Conselleria de Agricultura, Pesca y Medio Natural is responsible for processing the complaint. According to Law 6/2013 of November 7th on maritime fishing, shellfishing, and aquaculture in the Balearic Islands, possession and commercialization of undersized fish from recreational fishing constitute a very serious offense and may be sanctioned with fines of up to €60,000, in addition to the confiscation of the catch.