Luis Planas calls to assess efforts of fisheries sector to adjust when establishing catches in 2021

The minister underlined the efforts and sacrifice made by the fisheries sector in recent years, which has allowed the goal of establishing catches at levels of the Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY).

For the minister, it is important to use the mortality ranges within the Maximum Sustainable Yield to maximise the catches and take into account the specific situation of mixed fisheries. At any event, he stated that a commitment must be made to the best scientific information available to guarantee the future of fishing activity.

As regards the Western Mediterranean and its demersal resources, Luis Planas pointed out that the first steps have now been taken in application of the multiannual plan. He stressed that, for the year 2021, Spain is not in favour of additional reductions, because the effects of the application of the Plan should be taken into account during this year before taking decisions, as well as the necessary transition that allows the Plan to achieve the MSY by 2025, and the negative impact of COVID-19 on the economy of this fishing ground.

As regards the landing obligation, the minister advocated maintaining all available mechanisms and flexibilities, and continuing the work being carried out in regional groups.

For the minister, another of Spain's priorities is improving health and safety on-board, the conditions for the comfort of the crew, and enhancing energy efficiency, whilst always respecting the limits of the fleet's capacity, under the premise of efficient and continuous control by each Member State.

Luis Planas stressed that the ministerial department is working on a strategy in coordination with the corresponding ministerial departments, the fisheries sector, the regional governments and scientific societies, to tackle the problem of the increase in beached dolphins.

Non official translation