Mackerel Fishing in Asturias 2026: What Changes for Fleets with Fishing Methods Other Than Trawling

Key data

Fishing vessels with home port in Asturias that use fishing methods other than trawling and purse seining to catch mackerel (Scomber scombrus) in ICES zones 8c and 9a have new operational conditions as of 14 April 2026. The Resolution of 10 April 2026 from the General Secretariat of Fisheries modifies the resolution of 17 February 2026, which was the reference regulation for this fishery during the current year.

This modification is part of the annual management of fishery resources in accordance with the European Common Fisheries Policy and requires shipowners and skippers to review their activity conditions before continuing to operate.

What does this regulation establish?

The resolution modifies the additional provisions for the management of mackerel fishery (Scomber scombrus) established in February 2026. The aspects that may have been subject to modification, according to available data, are as follows:

• Catch quotas: possible adjustments in the maximum volumes allowed per vessel or for the fleet as a whole.
• Closed seasons: possible changes in the dates of opening or closure of the fishery.
• Minimum sizes: possible modifications in the minimum catch sizes allowed for this species.
• Operational conditions: possible changes in other conditions for the exercise of fishing activity.

The specific data on point-by-point changes (exact quota figures, exact closure dates or exact sizes) are not available in the published information and must be consulted in the full text of the resolution in the BOE.

Economic and operational impact

For the Asturian artisanal fleet operating with fishing methods other than trawling and purse seining, any modification in the conditions of mackerel fishery has direct consequences on daily activity and exercise income:

• If quotas are reduced, vessels must stop catches earlier than planned, with the consequent impact on billing.
• If closed season periods are modified, it may affect the planning of fishing trips and crew hiring.
• If minimum sizes change, it may be necessary to adjust fishing methods or selection practices on board.
• Non-compliance with any of these conditions may result in administrative sanctions under the European Common Fisheries Policy.

This regulation applies exclusively to the Asturian fleet with fishing methods other than trawling and purse seining, so it does not affect trawlers or purse seiners based in Asturias, nor fleets from other provinces.

Who does it affect?

• Shipowners of fishing vessels with home port in the province of the Principality of Asturias.
• Fishing skippers operating in ICES zones 8c (eastern Bay of Biscay) and 9a (Atlantic waters of the Iberian Peninsula).
• Fleets using fishing methods other than trawling and purse seining for the capture of mackerel (Scomber scombrus).
• Managers and compliance officers of fishing companies with activity in these zones.

Expressly excluded from this resolution are vessels using trawling or purse seining, even if they have home port in Asturias, and any fleet based outside the Asturian province.

Practical example

An Asturian shipowner operating with surface longline in ICES zone 8c had his mackerel campaign conditions established in accordance with the resolution of 17 February 2026. As of 14 April 2026, those conditions have been modified by the new resolution.

If, for example, the modification adjusts the available quota or advances the closure of the fishery, this shipowner must stop or limit his catches in accordance with the new terms, even if his fishing trip planning was made with the previous parameters. Continuing to operate under the conditions of the February resolution without having reviewed the April modification represents a risk of breach of current fishing regulations.

Therefore, reviewing the complete text published in the BOE on 14 April 2026 is the first mandatory step before continuing activity.

What should shipowners do now?

1. Download and read the complete text of the Resolution of 10 April 2026 published in the BOE (reference BOE-A-2026-8267) to know the exact changes with respect to the resolution of 17 February 2026.
2. Identify what conditions have changed in relation to your specific activity: assigned quotas, closure dates, minimum sizes or other operational conditions.
3. Review the planning of fishing trips and catches for the rest of 2026 in light of the new terms, adjusting what is necessary.
4. Inform the crew and the skipper of the operational changes that apply on board to ensure compliance from the first day of validity.
5. Consult with the advisor or the fishermen's association if there are doubts about the interpretation of the new terms or about catch reporting obligations.
6. Document compliance with the new conditions to be in a position to prove conformity before an inspection.