Mallorca approves new fishing management plan for Pollença and Alcúdia bays

The Consell de Govern has approved a new management plan for professional fishing in the bays of Pollença and Alcúdia in Mallorca. The decree aims to ensure the continuity of fishing activities, maintain the fleet, and protect jobs while reducing fishing effort to ensure environmental, economic, and social sustainability.

The plan covers ecologically sensitive areas, including parts of the Natura 2000 Network and the Llevant Marine Reserve. Key measures include limiting small-scale fishing and shellfish harvesting to a maximum of 180 days per vessel annually, with a global fleet limit of 7,000 fishing days per year. A specific census will limit the number of authorized vessels to 80.

Operational regulations will vary by season: between February and August, fishing is permitted up to six days per week, while from September to January, vessels must observe a minimum weekly rest period of 41 hours and a maximum of four fishing days per week. Additional restrictions include a ban on purse seine fishing, annual lotteries for mooring points, measures to reduce accidental seabird capture, and a 105-day closed season for octopus.