The Balearic Fishing sector calls on the EU for regulatory stability

Costas Kadis experienced the auction process firsthand, met with professional fishermen, and concluded his stay on the island with a positive assessment of the two-day visit.

The European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, visited the fish market in Palma today, Friday 6th of February, as part of the events promoted by the Balearic Government. He was accompanied by the Regional Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and the Natural Environment, Joan Simonet; the Secretary General for Fisheries at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Isabel Artime; and the Director General for Fisheries, Antoni M. Grau. During the visit, the delegation toured the fish market facilities and observed the Dutch-style auction system in operation. The Commissioner showed particular interest in locally caught fish and in the quality of the products arriving daily at the market.

The day continued with a meeting with a group of fishermen at the headquarters of Opmallorcamar, where the sector directly conveyed its concerns and demands regarding European fisheries regulations. Among the main requests, fishermen stressed the need for regulations to take insularity into account, a condition that shapes economic activity and defines a reality distinct from other areas of the Mediterranean.

In addition, the sector raised two specific concerns: the obligation to declare catches four hours before entering port, and the lack of regulatory stability resulting from annual changes decided in Brussels. In this regard, fishermen are calling for a clear and stable regulatory framework, with defined fishing days, to reduce uncertainty and safeguard the future of the sector.

The Commissioner also had the opportunity to see firsthand the nets and fishing gear commonly used by professional fishermen, as well as their working day and the everyday realities of the fishing sector in the islands.

The visit to Mallorca concluded at the Pere Garau Market, one of Palma’s most emblematic markets. During the tour, Kadis spoke with fishmongers, who explained which products are most in demand and the distinctive value of locally caught fish and seafood. They also expressed concern about the reduced availability of products at fish counters due to fishing restrictions, a situation that forces some establishments to close on certain days.

In this way, the European Commissioner was able to gain a comprehensive understanding of the entire Balearic fishing supply chain, from catching and auctioning to final retail, as well as the day-to-day challenges faced by the sector.

Regional Minister Joan Simonet gave a very positive assessment of the Commissioner’s two-day visit to Mallorca. Simonet highlighted that the main objective of the meetings was to showcase the needs, specific characteristics, and challenges of the Balearic fishing sector, as well as the importance of adapting European regulations to the island's reality. He also welcomed the Commissioner’s opportunity to learn about the Balearic model of fisheries co-management, which directly involves fishermen in decision-making and moves toward a more sustainable and shared-responsibility model.

Simonet thanked the European Commissioner for his visit, as well as the cooperation and strong alignment with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. “The Commissioner has expressed his satisfaction with these two days of visits, for having been able to understand our reality, and has conveyed his commitment to listen to and analyse the sector’s demands so that European regulations are aligned with the real needs of fishing in the Balearic Islands,” he concluded.