New purse seine fishing closures in the Mediterranean 2026: what changes for the 200 affected vessels

Key data

Approximately 200 vessels from the Spanish Mediterranean purse seine fleet have new closure dates as of November 8, 2026. The Order APA/1178/2026 modifies the annex of Order APA/852/2023, which regulates the management plan for purse seine fishing in the Mediterranean sub-fishing ground, and updates the spatio-temporal closure periods to adapt them to the current circumstances of the fleet.

The stated objective of the regulation is to guarantee the biological sustainability of anchovy and sardine, the two main target species of this fishing method. The modification has been supported by a report from the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO), consultation with autonomous communities and the fishing sector, and has been communicated to the European Commission.

What does this regulation establish?

Order APA/1178/2026 modifies exclusively the annex of Order APA/852/2023, which is the technical document containing the specific spatio-temporal closure dates by zone. The rest of the management plan for purse seine fishing in the Mediterranean sub-fishing ground remains in force without changes.

What changes are the closure dates in 11 zones of the Mediterranean coast, which range from Girona (the northern edge of the Spanish Mediterranean) to Cádiz and the Balearic Islands. These dates are updated to adapt to the current circumstances of the fleet, according to the justification included in the regulation itself.

The 11 zones affected by the closure date update are:

• Girona zone
• Barcelona zone
• Tarragona zone
• Castellón zone
• Valencia zone
• Alicante zone
• Murcia zone
• Almería zone
• Málaga/Granada zone
• Cádiz zone
• Balearic Islands zone

Note: The regulation does not publish the specific closure dates by zone in the available summary. To consult the exact updated dates for each zone, it is essential to access the full text of the Order APA/1178/2026 in the BOE, where the modified annex is reproduced with all the dates.

Economic and operational impact

For the affected shipowners and fishing companies, the most direct impact is operational: the dates on which their vessels cannot fish with purse seine gear in the regulated zones have changed. Depending on whether the new dates extend or reduce the closure periods compared to 2023, the effect on activity and income can be positive or negative.

The key aspects to evaluate for each company are:

• Campaign calendar: Closure dates directly determine when vessels can go fishing in each zone. A change in dates may require reorganizing supply contracts, staffing, and port logistics.
• Sustainability of catches: The regulation seeks to protect anchovy and sardine stocks. A fleet that respects closures contributes to the sustainability of the resource and, with it, to long-term economic viability.
• Risk of sanctions: Fishing outside permitted periods or in closed zones constitutes a violation of fishing regulations. Sanctions in fishing matters can be very significant, although the regulation does not specify specific amounts.
• Coordination with fishing guilds and fish markets: Changes in dates affect the entire chain: from fishing guilds to fish markets and wholesale buyers who plan their purchases based on fishing seasons.

Who does it affect?

• Shipowners and owners of purse seine vessels registered in the Mediterranean sub-fishing ground (approx. 200 vessels).
• Skippers and crews of the Mediterranean purse seine fleet, whose work calendar is determined by the new closure dates.
• Marketing companies and fish markets that buy and distribute anchovy and sardine from the Mediterranean: their supply calendars are affected.
• Fishing guilds in the 11 affected zones, which must communicate the information to their members and adapt their operations.
• Autonomous communities on the Mediterranean coast with competencies in fishing management (Catalonia, Valencian Community, Region of Murcia, Andalusia, Balearic Islands), which have been consulted in the regulation development process.
• Processing industry (canneries, salting plants) that depends on regular supply of anchovy and sardine from the Mediterranean.

Practical example

A shipowner with a purse seine vessel registered in the Valencia zone receives notification that the spatio-temporal closure dates for their zone have changed compared to those listed in the annex of Order APA/852/2023. Until now they planned their anchovy campaign based on those old dates.

With the entry into force of Order APA/1178/2026 on November 8, 2026, they must:

1. Consult the new annex published in the BOE to learn the exact closure dates applicable to their zone.
2. Review whether they have supply commitments with fish markets or buyers that coincide with the new closure periods and renegotiate them if necessary.
3. Communicate the changes to their skipper and crew to adjust the departure schedule.
4. Verify with their fishing guild if there are additional clarifications about the application of the new dates at their home port.

If the shipowner does not update their calendar and fishes during a closure period, they are exposed to a violation of fishing regulations with the corresponding administrative and economic consequences.

What should companies do now?

1. Download and read the new annex: Access the full text of the Order APA/1178/2026 in the BOE and locate the updated closure dates for each of the zones where the fleet operates.
2. Compare with the previous calendar: Contrast the new dates with those in the annex of Order APA/852/2023 to identify what has changed in each zone and in what direction (extension or reduction of the closure).
3. Update the campaign plan: Review and adjust the departure schedule, supply contracts, and personnel planning based on the new dates.
4. Inform the crew and skipper: Ensure that everyone operating the vessel knows the new closure dates applicable to their zone before any fishing trip.
5. Coordinate with the fishing guild: Confirm with the fishing guild at the home port if there are additional instructions or clarifications about the practical application of the new dates.
6. Review contracts with buyers: If there are supply agreements with fish markets, canneries, or distributors that depend on the catch calendar, communicate the changes and adjust deadlines if necessary.

Official source

Consult complete regulation in official source

Notice: This article is purely informational in nature and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://www.boe.es/diario_boe/txt.php?id=BOE-A-2026-23366