Spain advocates for fishing interests at FAO and EU

Spain is advocating for the importance of its fishing and aquaculture sectors at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Fisheries Committee in Rome. Isabel Artime, Secretary General of Fisheries, highlighted the role of the port of Vigo and its participation in the FAO ‘Blue Ports’ initiative as a key example of international cooperation.

In a separate effort, Spain is calling on the European Commission to review a regulation that prohibits deep-sea fishing in 87 areas of the Atlantic platform. This request follows a technical report from the Spanish Institute of Oceanography suggesting that certain bottom longline fishing methods have minimal impact on the seabed. The Spanish government argues the current ban is disproportionate to selective fishing practices.

Additionally, Spanish Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Luis Planas expressed optimism regarding his candidacy for the presidency of the FAO. He reported having contacted more than two-thirds of the 193 participating countries ahead of the election scheduled for late June next year.