Parliament urges the Government to improve competitiveness and sustainability of Balearic fisheries

Simonet and Sáenz de San Pedro will appear before the commission at the request of Podemos and MÉS.

The Parliament has called on the Spanish Government and the Balearic Government to implement various measures to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of the Balearic fishing sector.

According to the regional chamber, the Economy Commission approved a non-legislative motion (PNL) from the PP, defended by MP Salomé Cabrera, urging the Government to take the necessary measures to redistribute the bluefin tuna quota in favor of vessels based in the Balearic Islands.

In this regard, with the support of all commission groups, it is requested that fishing for bluefin tuna is profitable for artisanal fishermen and that consumers have access to locally sourced tuna.

Furthermore, the Parliament urges the central government to take measures to act against illegal practices, such as discarding dead bluefin tuna back into the sea.

In addition, the Parliament asks both state and regional administrations to continue marine research to improve the sustainability of fishery resources and to advance the sector’s energy transition.

Regarding this last point, specific support measures are requested for small-scale vessels and for the modernization of Balearic ports, with the aim of preserving the marine environment and ensuring the sector’s economic viability.

Among other points, with the votes in favor of all groups and the abstention of the PSIB, the Chamber requests government measures to promote competitiveness and generational renewal, such as Social Security quota reductions, the elimination of port fees and charges, and a reduction of VAT on fish.

It also calls on the European Union to undertake a reform of the Common Fisheries Policy that reflects the sector’s realities and considers the archipelago’s particularities. Meanwhile, the Balearic Government is asked to financially support the implementation of “swing doors” on trawl vessels.

The Economy Commission also approved, during its meeting on Thursday, October 16, two requests for ministers to appear, submitted by Podemos and MÉS per Mallorca.

Firstly, with votes in favor from all groups except Vox, it was approved that the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Natural Environment, Joan Simonet, appear before the commission regarding the large poultry farm in Llucmajor. This appearance was requested by Podemos at the end of May, following the complaints about the farm.

Secondly, the Minister of Enterprise, Self-Employment, and Energy, Alejandro Sáenz de San Pedro, will also appear before the commission at the request of the ecosoberanist group to report on his responsibilities and projects in parliament. This request was approved unanimously.