Basque fishing fleet captures 98% of anchovy quota, strong start to bonito season

The Basque Government reports that the 2026 anchovy campaign has confirmed the success of its new quota‑management system. The Basque fleet was allocated 8.63 million kg, representing 28.3 % of the national quota, and has already harvested 8.49 million kg – 98.4 % of its share, far above the national average. The catch was sold at an average price of €1.94 per kg, similar to 2025 and well above the historic average of about €1.50.

For the northern bonito fishery, which began in late May and runs until mid‑October, the fleet has landed 9.1 million kg, covering 32.7 % of the national quota. The Basque vessels alone accounted for 5.60 million kg, or 61.2 % of the total, underscoring the region’s leadership in this fishery. Prices are currently around €3.90 per kg. Officials highlighted that “planned and consensual management benefits both the sustainability of the resource and the profitability of the fishing activity,” and noted that “the bonito season has started strongly, with important catches and solid market prices.”