The secretary general of the Spanish Fisheries Confederation (Cepesca), Javier Garat, ensures the Spanish industry “may be satisfied that the efforts and sacrifice of recent years are paying off.”
“We have been shown the way through which we must continue ensuring our business for future generations by being active participants in an increasingly responsible and sustainable fishing activity,” said the leader during the commemoration of World Fisheries Day, declared by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Cepesca defends the legitimacy and sustainability of all deep-sea and coastal fishing gear: trawlling, purse seining, longlining, smaller gear, traps, etc.
Besides, the Confederation also claims a better understanding of the state of fish stocks because “it is only in this way, aided by science, that we can ensure the socio-economic, environmental and food sustainability of fisheries for future generations.”
According to the FAO, the world 70.01 per cent of the resources is in good operating condition.
For its part, the European Commission (EC) recognizes that fish stock state in Europe is improving. This is demonstrated, for example, by the fact that it is considered that 39 per cent of stocks in the Northeast Atlantic have been overfished, compared to 95 per cent in 2005.
Cepesca highlights in particular the recovery of species that are important for Spain, as in the case of the bluefin tuna. This resource was overexploited three years ago and has now historically high biomass levels and historically low fishing mortality rates.
Another species that is showing recovery signs is the northern hake in EU waters. After a rigorous Recovery Plan, this resource reached record biomass figures and has made it possible for the quota to increase 26 per cent this year and 49 per cent in 2014.
At present, Spain has 10,000 fishing vessels, of which about 9,600 fish in national waters: 50 per cent in the Northwest Cantabrian fishing ground, 28 per cent in the Mediterranean Sea, 7.7 per cent in the Gulf of Cadiz and 8.4 per cent Canary Islands.
In addition, some 140 vessels fish in EU waters and further 250 boats in external grounds.
The Spanish fishing generates 38,800 direct jobs (crew members), 28 per cent of EU fishing employment (138,500 crew members).
With a catch exceeding 860,000 tonnes last year, valued at EUR 1,995 million, Spain is the largest producer in the EU and provides 20 per cent of its production. Globally, the Spanish fleet catches represent only 0.5 per cent of the total global catch, which places it in the 22nd position.
In terms of consumption, Spain is the fifth largest consumer of fishery resources, after Japan, Norway, Iceland and Portugal.
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