Parliament calls for stronger controls against illegal fishing in Ibiza and Formentera

The Parliament’s Economy Committee has approved a non-legislative proposal (PNL) presented by the PSIB calling for stronger monitoring and surveillance to combat illegal fishing in Ibiza and Formentera.

The initiative, debated this Thursday, February 5th, in the Economy Committee, was unanimously approved, according to the regional chamber.

The proposal establishes the Parliament’s commitment to urge the Balearic Government to take into account the demands and signatures submitted by the recreational fishing community in Ibiza, who are calling for progress toward regulations that guarantee the practice of the activity while preserving the marine environment.

The agreement urges the competent authorities to strengthen controls against illegal fishing in the waters of the Pityusic Islands and calls for an increase in the presence of inspectors, as well as improved operational coordination between the Directorate General for Fisheries, SEPRONA (the Civil Guard’s environmental protection unit) and the fishermen’s guilds.

The committee also approved a request for administrations to intensify inspections of establishments that sell or serve fish products, verifying the origin and traceability of the fish to ensure that it comes from legal and authorized sources.

Finally, the Balearic chamber is asking the regional government to promote awareness and training campaigns on responsible fishing and traceability.

PSIB deputy Marco Guerrero stated during the debate that illegal fishing not only threatens marine ecosystems but also represents “unacceptable” unfair competition for professionals and restaurants that comply with the law.

He also highlighted the importance of responding to the demands of the sector, particularly those of the recreational fishing community, which has collected nearly 4,000 signatures calling for specific and sustainable regulation.

During the same session, the Economy Committee also approved a proposal from the Popular Party requesting that the Spanish Government defend in Europe the need for a transition period of at least ten years for restrictions on the use of lead ammunition.

The motion, approved with votes in favor from PP and Vox and opposed by the remaining groups, also calls on the Government to thoroughly analyze alternatives to lead ammunition.

It further requests a dialogue and consultation process with all affected sectors to develop a national proposal that is “coherent and balanced.”

The initiative also urges the central government to request that European regulations include mitigation or compensation measures for hunters, manufacturers and retailers who may be affected.

Finally, it calls on the Government to promote a “realistic” approach in Europe that balances environmental protection with safety, the economic viability of the sector and the EU’s strategic autonomy.

The Parliament also demands that the Government oppose the approval of the REACH regulation concerning the registration, evaluation, authorization and restriction of chemicals in relation to lead in hunting ammunition and fishing gear.

Additionally, it asks the Government to defend hunting as an essential activity for controlling animal populations and protecting agricultural and livestock operations, to introduce legislative measures allowing hunting in national parks, and to promote conservation-based wildlife management practices.