The Balearic fishing sector shares its red lobster fishery management with Catalonia

In response to Catalonia’s interest in the Balearic Islands model, Director General Antoni M. Garau, accompanied by the President of the Balearic Federation of Fishermen’s Guilds (Federació Balear de Confraries de Pescadors de les Illes Balears), met in Ciutadella with the Director General for Maritime Policy and Sustainable Fisheries of the Government of Catalonia (Política Marítima y Pesca Sostenible de la Generalitat), Antoni Espanya.

The Balearic Government and the Islands’ fishing sector of the islands have presented the red lobster (Palinurus spp) fishery management model in Balearic inshore waters to representatives from the Catalan sector. On June 3rd, Director General of fisheries Antoni M. Garau, together with the President of the Balearic Federation of Fishermen’s guilds, Domingo Bonnín, met in Ciutadella with Antoni Espanya, General Director for Maritime Policy and Sustainable Fisheries of the Government of Catalonia, and representatives from the Local Fisheries Action Group of the Costa Brava. The meeting was also attended by Maria Antònia Taltavull, Island Councillor for Economy and General Services of Menorca. During the session, the key features of the current Balearic model were presented, in response to the Catalan fishing sector’s interest in implementing a similar approach. 

Director General Antoni M. Garau described the meeting as very positive, stating that “in Mediterranean culture, red lobster has always been recognised as a product of exceptional quality.". He also added that "in Menorca, it is a local product closely tied to the island’s identity."

Grau explained that the Balearic red lobster fishery management plan establishes, among other measures, a closed season and minimum size limits. Specifically, red lobster fishing is only permitted from April 1 to August 31 (both dates inclusive), with no depth restrictions. To be caught, the lobster’s carapace must measure at least 90 mm. In addition, the capture, retention on board, and sale of egg-bearing females is prohibited at any time and at any size.

The participants also reiterated their commitment to continue working together on other shared interests, such as the joint request to the European Union to increase trawling days and revise the Western Mediterranean fisheries management plan.