Fishing Extension for Chanquete and Caramel in the Balearic Islands 2026: What Changes

Key data

The artisanal fleets of the Illes Balears can continue operating normally in the chanquete, cabotí and caramel fishing campaign. The Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1026, published on May 11, 2026 and in force since May 8, extends the exception that allows the use of seine nets from vessels in areas where general Mediterranean fishing regulations prohibit it.

Without this extension, Balearic fishermen would have been blocked from operating in the usual fishing areas for these three species, which are found precisely in shallow waters near the coast: exactly where Regulation (EC) No. 1967/2006 establishes minimum distance from coast and minimum sea depth restrictions.

What does this regulation establish?

Regulation (EC) No. 1967/2006 sets the general conditions for fishing in the Mediterranean, including minimum distances from the coast and minimum depths for the use of certain fishing gear. These restrictions aim to protect coastal ecosystems and seabeds.

However, the three species fished with seine nets in the Balearic Islands—chanquete, cabotí and caramel—inhabit precisely shallow waters near the coast. Applying general restrictions without exception would make their capture with traditional gear unfeasible.

For this reason, Spain requested and obtained a specific exception for the territorial waters of the Illes Balears. This exception is not permanent: it requires periodic renewal before European institutions. Regulation 2026/1026 is the latest extension approved by the European Commission.

Economic and operational impact

The extension has a direct impact on the economic viability of artisanal fishing fleets in the Balearic Islands that depend on these seasonal catches. Without the exception, these vessels would not be able to operate legally in their usual fishing grounds during the fishing campaigns for these three species.

From an operational perspective, the extension introduces no changes compared to the previous situation: fishing conditions remain the same as in the period covered by the previous exception. What is relevant is that the authorization remains in force and there is no interruption in activity.

The temporary nature of the exception implies a recurring risk for the sector: each time the deadline approaches, fleets are exposed to a possible interruption of activity if the renewal does not arrive in time or if the European Commission decides not to extend it. This regulatory uncertainty factor is the main economic risk for companies in the sector.

Who does it affect?

• Owners and operators of artisanal vessels based in the Illes Balears that fish chanquete (Aphia minuta), cabotí (Pseudaphya ferreri) or caramel (Spicara smaris).
• Skippers and crew members of seine net fleets from vessels in Balearic territorial waters.
• Fishing guilds and fishing sector organizations in the Illes Balears.
• Marketing and distribution companies of these species in the Balearic and mainland markets that depend on the supply of these artisanal fleets.
• Regional and state administrations with fishing competencies that manage licenses and authorizations linked to this exception.

Practical example

An artisanal vessel from Mallorca that regularly operates in shallow waters near the coast for seasonal capture of chanquete and caramel with seine nets needs the European exception to be in force to be able to fish legally in those areas.

Without the extension approved by Regulation 2026/1026, that vessel would have two options: not go fishing for these species during the season (with the resulting loss of seasonal income) or move to areas farther from the coast and with greater depth, where these species are not found under the same conditions. In practice, the second option is not biologically viable, which makes the extension a necessary condition for the activity to continue.

With the extension in force since May 8, 2026, that same vessel can continue its usual activity without changes in its operating conditions.

What should companies do now?

1. Verify that the extension covers the planned campaign period. Confirm that the dates of the exception in force cover the chanquete, cabotí and caramel fishing season planned for 2026.
2. Review your own licenses and authorizations. Check that vessels have proper documentation to operate under the exception, as the European extension enables the exception but does not replace national or regional permits.
3. Monitor the expiration of the extension. Given that the exception is temporary and requires periodic renewal, it is advisable to establish monitoring of the validity period to anticipate possible interruptions of activity.
4. Stay informed about future renewals. Fishing guilds and sector organizations must closely follow renewal processes before the European Commission to be able to act in time if the extension is not automatically guaranteed.
5. Consult the competent fishing authority (Govern de les Illes Balears or Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food) if you have any doubts about the practical application of the exception in the current campaign.