The Spanish Fishing Industry: Regions, Resources, Challenges
Concepts and Historical Context
Fishing activity is defined as the actions performed by humans aiming to obtain food from seas and oceans. A distinction is made between inshore fisheries, conducted within the coastal zone, and deep-sea fishing, exercised without limitations on distance from the coast.
With the Industrial Revolution, the introduction of the steam engine gave rise to steam trawlers. After the Spanish Civil War, new trawlers were introduced. However, it was in the 1960s, during the Economic Development Plan, that significant changes occurred, with the arrival of the first freezer ships. The 1970s represented a golden age for fishing, although this changed with Spain’s entry into the European Union (EU) and modifications to the Law of the Sea.
Fishing Regions and Grounds
- Galicia: Retains its primacy, along with the Cantabrian fishing fleet in Atlantic fisheries. It is characterized by inshore fishing, and its fleet is somewhat obsolete.
- Canary Islands: The closure of the Saharan bank has deprived them of their traditional international fishing grounds.
- Andalucía: Inshore fishing holds greater significance; Huelva is the most important province in this regard.
- National Fisheries: Spanish national fishing grounds are depleted and generally only allow for inshore fishing.
- International Fisheries: Traditional grounds, such as the Saharan bank and potentially Boston grounds, have been lost.
Resources: Fleet, Gear, and Population
Population
The active population occupied in fishing represents 0.46%. This low percentage is decreasing due to the sector’s crisis, which has led to a reduction in the fleet.
Fleet
The Spanish fishing fleet is characterized by duality and an excessive size. There exists an uncompetitive artisanal inshore fleet alongside a very competitive modern high-seas fleet, the latter resulting from rapid growth in the early 1960s when oil prices were low.
Fishing Gear
- Fixed Gear: These block the passage of fish, which become gilled, preventing their escape.
- Encircling Gear: These nets are set vertically, surrounding schools of fish. They are commonly used to catch bluefish (pelagic species).
- Hook Gear: Used to capture large fish one by one, employing hooks and bait (e.g., longlines).
Species Captured and Catch Volumes
Species Captured
Approximately three-quarters of the catch consists of fish species; the remainder includes molluscs and crustaceans. Key fish types include white fish (such as hake and whiting) and oily fish (like sardines and tuna).
Catch Volume
The total volume has been dramatically reduced due to the depletion of fish stocks and external prohibitions and limitations (e.g., quotas).
Fisheries Crisis and Aquaculture
Overfishing and pollution have led to the depletion of national fish stocks. International fishing grounds also present problems. Membership in the EU subjects Spain to significant limitations.
Alternatives to address the crisis include:
- Replacement of jobs lost in traditional fishing.
- Restructuring the sector (e.g., purchasing new, more efficient boats).
- Promoting aquaculture.
The real future of the sector appears to lie in aquaculture. Spain possesses favorable conditions due to its extensive coastline and varied water characteristics. However, its development has been delayed due to the high cost of facilities and water pollution issues.
Aquaculture in Spain
- Freshwater Aquaculture: There are over 2000 fish farms producing farmed fish and shellfish, such as trout and crayfish.
- Marine Aquaculture: This sector primarily focuses on shellfish, especially mussels.
Law of the Sea and Common Fisheries Policy
The New Law of the Sea (1962)
After World War II, the sea began to be regarded differently, leading to the establishment by coastal countries of exclusive economic zones extending 200 nautical miles from the coast. (Note: While the text states 1962, the 200-mile EEZ concept was formally established later, primarily through UNCLOS III, adopted in 1982).
The Common Fisheries Policy (CFP)
Spain’s incorporation into the EU involved compliance with stringent conditions over a 17-year transition period. Following integration, the main EU fishing policy, often referred to as “Blue Europe,” was established in 1983. It was based on the following pillars:
- Conservation of marine resources.
- Structural policy (fleet modernization, etc.).
- Organization of markets.
- External fisheries relations and agreements.