Extension of fishing for sand eels and gobies in Catalonia 2026: what artisanal fishermen must do

Key data

Artisanal fishermen on the Catalan coast who fish with seine nets in search of sand eels and gobies have their activity guaranteed thanks to the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2085, published on September 21, 2026. This regulation extends an existing exception that allows operation in waters closer to the coast and at shallower depths than established by general European regulations.

Without this extension, the affected artisanal fleet would be obliged to comply with the limits of Council Regulation (EC) No. 1967/2006, which sets a minimum distance of 3 nautical miles from the coast and a minimum depth of 50 meters. For a niche fishery such as sand eels and gobies in the Catalan Mediterranean, these restrictions would amount to an effective prohibition of the activity.

What does this regulation establish?

Council Regulation (EC) No. 1967/2006 establishes management measures for sustainable fishing in the Mediterranean, including the prohibition on using seine nets from vessels less than 3 nautical miles from the coast or in depths of less than 50 meters. However, it allows the European Commission to grant exceptions for traditional fisheries that meet certain conditions.

The new regulation extends precisely that exception for the territorial waters of Catalonia, applicable to the following species:

The exception is not unconditional: fishermen must comply with the specific conditions established in the regulation itself to benefit from it. Non-compliance with these conditions means losing the protection of the exception and becoming subject to the general restrictions of Council Regulation (EC) No. 1967/2006.

Economic and operational impact

For the Catalan artisanal fleet operating in this niche, the extension has a direct economic impact: it guarantees the viability of fishing activity during the period covered by the regulation. Without it, the prohibition on fishing less than 3 nautical miles and in depths of less than 50 meters would make it impossible to catch these species in their usual fishing grounds.

The key operational aspects that differ from the general regulation are:

• Distance from coast: Operation is permitted below the general limit of 3 nautical miles in authorized zones of Catalan territorial waters.
• Depth: Fishing is permitted in depths of less than 50 meters, where these species are concentrated.
• Fishing gear: The exception applies exclusively to seine nets from vessels. Other fishing methods are not covered.
• Geographic scope: Exclusively Catalan territorial waters (Spain). Does not apply to other autonomous communities or other Spanish Mediterranean waters.

The continuity of this activity depends on periodic renewals by the European Commission, which represents a structural uncertainty factor for the sector. Each extension requires the Commission to assess the status of fish stocks and compliance with conditions by the fleet.

Who does it affect?

• Artisanal fishermen with vessels operating seine nets in Catalan territorial waters.
• Fishermen's guilds and organizations in the Catalan artisanal fishing sector.
• Marketing companies for sand eels and gobies on the Catalan coast, whose supply depends on this fleet.
• Regional fishing authorities (Generalitat de Catalunya) responsible for managing and controlling the artisanal fleet.
• Inspectors and fishing control agents who must verify compliance with the exception conditions.

Practical example

A fishing skipper from Blanes or Palamós who operates with seine nets from his vessel in search of Aphia minuta (transparent goby) typically fishes in depths of 20-30 meters and less than 2 nautical miles from the coast. Without the exception extended by Regulation (EU) 2026/2085, that activity would be prohibited by Council Regulation (EC) No. 1967/2006, which requires a minimum of 3 nautical miles and 50 meters depth.

Thanks to the extension, that same skipper can continue fishing in his usual grounds, provided he complies with the specific conditions of the regulation. If an inspection detects that he operates without respecting those conditions, he loses the protection of the exception and is exposed to the penalties provided for in the general Mediterranean fishing regulations.

What should fishermen do now?

1. Verify that your vessel and fishing gear are within the scope of the exception: The extension applies exclusively to seine nets from vessels in Catalan territorial waters for the four listed species. If you use other gear or fish in other waters, you are not covered.
2. Review and comply with the specific conditions of Regulation (EU) 2026/2085: The exception is not automatic. Consult the full text of the regulation in the Official Journal of the EU to know exactly what conditions you must meet.
3. Contact your guild or the regional fishing authority: The Generalitat de Catalunya manages control of this exception. Confirm that your vessel is listed in the authorized register and that you have your documentation in order.
4. Keep updated catch records: Exceptions of this type usually require detailed catch declarations by species. Make sure your fishing logs correctly reflect catches of sand eels and gobies.
5. Be aware of the extension expiration date: These types of exceptions are renewed periodically. When the period covered approaches its end, check whether the European Commission has published a new extension or if the exception expires.

Official source

Consult complete regulation at official source

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=CELEX:32026R2085