Mediterranean Bluefin Tuna Fishing 2026: Obligations and Risks for Small-Scale Gear Vessels

Key data

Small-scale gear vessel owners in the Mediterranean authorized to fish bluefin tuna have, since 25 March 2026, new technical and administrative obligations that must be met throughout the entire campaign. The Resolution of the Secretaría General de Pesca published on 2 April 2026 sets the rules for this campaign, with particular emphasis on catch control and fish traceability.

This regulation falls within Spain's international commitments to ICCAT (International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas), the body that manages bluefin tuna quotas in the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Compliance is not optional: the consequences of failing to comply range from administrative sanctions to the permanent loss of the fishing authorization.

What does this regulation establish?

The resolution comprehensively regulates the 2026 bluefin tuna fishing campaign for the Mediterranean small-scale gear fleet included in the specific census (list g). The main areas covered are as follows:

The resolution applies exclusively to vessels included in the specific census of the fleet authorized to fish bluefin tuna, list g), which corresponds to the Mediterranean small-scale gear fleet.

Economic and operational impact

The impact of this regulation is primarily operational: each trip to sea generates administrative obligations that must be fulfilled before and after each outing. This implies an additional management burden for vessel owners, especially for smaller operators who do not have dedicated administrative staff.

• Assigned catch quotas: Each vessel has a catch limit that cannot be exceeded. Exceeding it entails the risk of sanctions and loss of authorization.
• Double notification per trip: Each outing requires prior and subsequent notification, which means having a reliable communication system and meeting the established deadlines.
• Fish documentation: Captured bluefin tuna must be correctly documented from the moment of capture. Errors in documentation can block commercialization.
• Risk of loss of authorization: Non-compliance with any of these obligations may result in the loss of the fishing authorization, making it impossible to operate in future campaigns.

From an economic standpoint, bluefin tuna is one of the highest-value commercial species in the Mediterranean. Losing the fishing authorization due to an administrative non-compliance — rather than quota reasons — would represent a disproportionate economic loss relative to the error committed.

Who is affected?

This regulation directly and exclusively affects:

• Vessel owners of small-scale gear vessels in the Mediterranean included in the specific census of the fleet authorized to fish bluefin tuna, list g)
• Fishermen operating on board these vessels during the 2026 campaign
• Skippers and fleet managers who handle notifications and catch documentation
• Fishermen's guilds and producer organizations in the Mediterranean that group small-scale gear vessels authorized for bluefin tuna

It does not affect vessels on other census lists, nor purse seine, longline or other gear fleets, which have their own campaign regulations.

Practical example

A small-scale gear vessel owner based in Murcia, included in list g) of the specific census, plans a trip to catch bluefin tuna.

Before departure: they must submit the pre-trip notification established in the resolution, indicating the departure details. Without this notification, the trip is not authorized.

During fishing: they must respect the catch quota assigned to their vessel for the 2026 campaign. Exceeding it constitutes an infringement regardless of the quality of the fish.

Upon returning to port: they must submit the post-trip notification with the actual catch data and comply with the handling and documentation rules for bluefin tuna on board and at the fish market.

Consequence of non-compliance: if the pre- or post-trip notification is omitted, or if the fish documentation is incorrect, they are exposed to an administrative sanction or, in cases of repeat offence or severity, to the loss of the fishing authorization for this and future campaigns.

What should vessel owners do now?

1. Verify inclusion in the census: Confirm that the vessel is included in list g) of the specific census of the fleet authorized to fish bluefin tuna. Without this inclusion, legal operation is not possible.
2. Know the assigned quota: Identify the catch quota assigned to the vessel for the 2026 campaign and establish an internal monitoring system to avoid exceeding it.
3. Implement the notification protocol: Establish a clear procedure for submitting the pre-trip notification before each outing and the post-trip notification upon return, respecting the required deadlines and formats.
4. Review handling and documentation rules: Ensure that all personnel on board are familiar with the bluefin tuna handling rules and that the required documentation is correctly completed for each catch.
5. Review control and monitoring systems: Verify that the required control systems are operational and meet the technical requirements of the resolution.
6. Consult the fishermen's guild or vessel owners' association: In case of doubt about authorized periods, quotas or notification procedures, contact the relevant sector organization for specific guidance.

Official source

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, please consult a qualified professional. Source: https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2026-7531