Key data
| Regulation | Resolution of 10 April 2026, from the General Secretariat for Fisheries, which modifies the one of 13 February 2026 on the management of the mackerel fishery (Scomber scombrus) in zones 8c and 9a |
|---|---|
| BOE Publication | 14 April 2026 |
| Entry into force | Not specified — consult official text |
| Modified regulation | Resolution of 13 February 2026 on the same fishery |
| Affected zones | ICES 8c and 9a (Cantabrian Sea and adjacent Atlantic waters) |
| Species | Mackerel (Scomber scombrus) |
| Excluded fishing methods | Trawling and purse seining (this regulation does NOT apply to those vessels) |
| Affected home ports | Gipuzkoa and Bizkaia |
| Category | Agriculture and Fisheries |
| Year | 2026 |
If your vessel has a home port in Gipuzkoa or Bizkaia and fishes mackerel using longlines, hooks or other methods different from trawling and purse seining, the rules of the game have changed. The General Secretariat for Fisheries published on 14 April 2026 a resolution that modifies the management provisions in force since February 2026 for the mackerel fishery (Scomber scombrus) in ICES zones 8c and 9a.
It is not a brand new regulation: it is a modification of the resolution of 13 February 2026, which means that the changes are superimposed on the conditions already established for this season. Knowing exactly what has changed is mandatory before returning to fishing.
What does this regulation establish?
The resolution adjusts the additional management provisions for the mackerel fishery for the Basque fleet using small-scale fishing methods (other than trawling and purse seining). According to the available summary, the aspects that may have been modified are the following:
| Regulated aspect | Status after modification |
|---|---|
| Catch quotas | May have been adjusted from the February 2026 resolution |
| Closed seasons | May have been modified for the 2026 season |
| Minimum sizes | May have been updated |
| Operational conditions | May include new restrictions or flexibilities |
The official text in the BOE (BOE-A-2026-8265) is the only source that details the exact values of each change. Direct consultation is essential.
This regulation is part of the sustainable management of fishery resources within the European Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), which requires Member States to adapt exploitation conditions based on stock status and annual quota agreements.
Economic and operational impact
The direct impact on each vessel's activity depends on which of the regulated elements have been modified. The possible scenarios are:
- Quota reduction: Fewer catches allowed per season or per trip, which directly reduces the shipowner's gross income.
- Expansion or restriction of closed seasons: Affects the planning of fishing trips and days of effective activity.
- Change in minimum size: May require discarding more catches or modifying usual fishing grounds.
- New operational conditions: May require adaptations in on-board documentation, catch recording systems or landing procedures.
In all cases, non-compliance with fishery management provisions has administrative consequences. Sectoral regulations provide for sanctions against shipowners and skippers who do not respect the established conditions.
Who does it affect?
This resolution has a very specific scope of application. It affects:
- Shipowners of fishing vessels with home ports in Gipuzkoa or Bizkaia.
- Skippers and crews of those vessels operating in ICES zones 8c and 9a.
- Vessels using fishing methods other than trawling and purse seining (longlines, hooks, gillnets or other small-scale methods).
- Fishermen's associations and sector organizations in the Basque Country that manage quotas or coordinate this fleet's activity.
- Fish markets and first-sale buyers in Basque ports that work with this species and these methods.
Vessels operating with trawling or purse seining, or with home ports outside Gipuzkoa and Bizkaia, are not affected by this resolution.
Practical example
A shipowner based in the port of Ondarroa (Bizkaia) who fishes mackerel with surface longlines in ICES zone 8c operates directly under the scope of this resolution.
Before planning the next fishing trip, they must:
- Download and read the complete text of the 10 April 2026 resolution in the BOE.
- Compare the new conditions with those that applied since February 2026 (assigned quota, days of permitted activity, minimum catch size).
- If the quota has been reduced, recalculate the profitability of the trip before departing.
- If closed seasons have changed, adjust the activity calendar to avoid violating regulations.
- Communicate the changes to the skipper and ensure that on-board documentation reflects the updated conditions.
This process must be completed before the next fishing trip, regardless of when the resolution formally enters into force.
What should shipowners do now?
- Download the official text: Access BOE-A-2026-8265 and read the entire 10 April 2026 resolution to know the exact changes from the February resolution.
- Identify what has changed: Compare quota, closed seasons, minimum sizes and operational conditions between the February and April versions.
- Update fishing trip planning: Adjust the activity calendar to the new periods and conditions before the next departure.
- Inform the skipper and crew: Ensure that everyone operating the vessel knows the updated conditions.
- Review on-board documentation: Verify that fishing logs, catch records and other documentation reflect current conditions.
- Consult with the fishermen's association or sector organization: Fishermen's associations in Gipuzkoa and Bizkaia usually have additional information and can guide on the practical application of changes.
- Keep evidence of compliance: Keep a copy of the updated resolution on board and in the shipowner's files as backup for possible inspections.
Frequently asked questions
What vessels does the April 2026 mackerel regulation modification affect?
It exclusively affects fishing vessels with home ports in the provinces of Gipuzkoa and Bizkaia that operate with fishing methods other than trawling and purse seining in ICES zones 8c and 9a. Trawling, purse seining vessels or those with home ports outside the Basque Country are not included in the scope of this resolution.
What may have changed from the February 2026 resolution?
The modification may involve changes in quotas, closed seasons, minimum catch sizes, or new operational requirements for recording and reporting catches. The official BOE text is the only authoritative source for the specific changes.
When does the April 2026 resolution enter into force?
The resolution was published on 14 April 2026 in the BOE. The specific entry into force date is not specified in the available summary, so you must consult the official text to confirm when the new conditions become mandatory.
What happens if I operate without complying with the new conditions?
Non-compliance with fishery management regulations can result in administrative sanctions, including fines, temporary suspension of fishing licenses or other penalties depending on the severity of the violation and applicable sectoral regulations.
Where can I find the complete text of the resolution?
The complete text is published in the Official State Gazette (BOE) under reference BOE-A-2026-8265. You can access it through the BOE website (www.boe.es) by searching for this reference number.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about the April 2026 resolution on mackerel fishing management. It is not legal advice. For specific guidance on how this regulation applies to your vessel or business, consult the official BOE text or seek advice from a fisheries law specialist or your sector association. The information is current as of the publication date and may be subject to updates or clarifications by the competent authorities.