The Government updates the regulatory framework for the fisheries dector and sea-related activities

The new regulation also introduces changes to three other decrees in order to reduce administrative burdens and provide greater support for both sustainable fisheries management and marine-related economic activities.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Natural Environment has released for public consultation the draft decree regulating fishermen’s guilds and their federations in the Balearic Islands. The text also amends Decrees 55/2020 (December 19th), 14/2014 (March 14th), and 26/2025 (July 4th). In this regard, the Director General of Fisheries, Antoni M. Grau, noted that fishermen’s guilds “are public law institutions with centuries of history that safeguard the interests of the sector and act as intermediaries with the Administration.” Grau highlighted that “they are an essential link between fishermen and the various administrations. That is why the Government fully recognizes their key role within the sector and will continue working to ensure they can carry out their duties under the best possible conditions.”

Decree 61/1995 established a specific regulatory framework for the first time, but over time, technological and administrative changes have made it outdated. “Now, the new text aims to address the current and future needs of the sector, ensuring principles of legality, equality, transparency, and internal democracy, while providing the guilds with a solid legal framework to face the challenges of modern fisheries,” emphasized Director General Antoni M. Grau.

There are a total of sixteen fishermen’s guilds in the Balearic Islands, grouped under a federation (Balearic Federation of Fishermen’s Guilds), which carry out tasks related to cohesion, training, social functions, and collaboration in the marketing of catches.

The draft decree also includes amendments to three other decrees. Regarding professional and scientific diving, Decree 55/2020 has been updated to simplify procedures, eliminate unnecessary steps, and facilitate business and scientific research activities. For recreational diving, Decree 14/2014 has been adapted to align with Royal Decree 550/2020 and support the economic activity of dive centers. Additionally, Decree 26/2025 incorporates a specific correction in Annex 3 concerning the Marine Reserve of the Illes del Ponent (El Toro, Les Malgrats, and El Sec) to facilitate tourist diving activities.

In short, with these amendments, the Government aims to modernize the regulatory framework for the fisheries and diving sectors, reduce administrative burdens, and provide greater support for both sustainable fisheries management and sea-related economic activities.