200 tonnes of additional northern hake for Spanish fleets: vessel-by-vessel distribution in 2026

Key data

Spanish deep-sea and longline fleets have immediate access to 200 tonnes of additional northern hake following the quota exchange agreement (swap) concluded between Spain and France. The Resolution of 1 October 2026 from the General Secretariat of Fisheries formalizes the distribution and allocates it vessel-by-vessel based on the individual fishing possibilities of each vessel.

The operation is covered by the Order APA/315/2020, which regulates quota exchanges between EU Member States, and is subject to appeal to the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food within one month from its publication.

What does this regulation establish?

The resolution executes a fishing quota swap between Spain and France: Spain cedes western horse mackerel quota (JAX/2A-14) and receives in return 200 tonnes of the northern hake stock (HKE/8ABDE.). This exchange mechanism between EU Member States is common to optimize the use of fishing resources when one country has surpluses in one species and deficits in another.

The distribution of the 200 tonnes is not made globally to each producer organization, but vessel-by-vessel, respecting the history and individual fishing capacity of each vessel. Allocations vary very significantly: from just 2 kg for vessels with lower history to over 11,000 kg for those with greater capacity.

The eight fishing producer organizations (POs) whose vessels participate in the distribution are:

Economic and operational impact

For affected shipowners, the 200 additional tonnes represent directly monetizable fishing capacity in the northern hake market, a species of high commercial value in Spanish and European markets. The actual economic impact depends on the specific allocation of each vessel and the market price in force at the time of capture.

Operationally, the resolution has immediate effect from 3 October 2026: vessels included in the distribution can incorporate the additional quota into their fishing operations without further procedures, as the distribution has already been formalized by the General Secretariat of Fisheries.

The swap also implies a cession of western horse mackerel quota (JAX/2A-14) by Spain. Shipowners with western horse mackerel quota should note that part of that quota has been transferred to France as consideration, although the resolution does not detail the exact volume of horse mackerel ceded.

Who does it affect?

• Shipowners of deep-sea and longline vessels integrated in one of the eight mentioned POs (OPPAO, OPP-BURELA, OPP-PUERTO DE CELEIRO, OPPF4, OPP-13, OPECA, ARPACAN, OPROMAR).
• Managers and administrators of fishing producer organizations who must communicate individual allocations to their members.
• Shipowners with western horse mackerel quota (JAX/2A-14), whose quota has been partially ceded to France as consideration for the swap.
• Advisors and fishing fleet managers who need to update the fishing possibilities records of each vessel.

Vessels not integrated in any of the eight indicated POs are not affected by this resolution.

Practical example

A deep-sea vessel integrated in OPP-BURELA with a high catch history could receive an allocation close to the upper limit of the range, that is, over 11,000 kg of additional northern hake. With an average fish market price for northern hake around 4-6 €/kg (typical market reference for this species), that maximum allocation could represent a potential additional income of between €44,000 and €66,000 per campaign, depending on market conditions at the time of sale.

At the opposite extreme, a vessel with reduced history could receive only 2 kg, which has practically no economic impact but confirms its participation in the distribution system and maintains its active history for future exchanges.

The shipowner does not need to request anything: the allocation is already formalized in the resolution and is operative from 3 October 2026.

What should companies do now?

1. Verify if your vessel is included in the distribution: consult the resolution published in the BOE of 3 October 2026 and locate your vessel in the vessel-by-vessel list. The allocation is individual and varies significantly between vessels.
2. Update fishing possibilities records: the captain or manager of the vessel must incorporate the additional northern hake quota (HKE/8ABDE.) into the planning of the current campaign.
3. Contact your PO: if you have doubts about the allocation received or about the impact of the swap on your western horse mackerel quota (JAX/2A-14), consult with the managers of your producer organization (OPPAO, OPP-BURELA, OPP-PUERTO DE CELEIRO, OPPF4, OPP-13, OPECA, ARPACAN or OPROMAR as applicable).
4. Evaluate filing an appeal if appropriate: if you believe that the allocation received does not correctly reflect your catch history, you have one month from 3 October 2026 to file an appeal to the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
5. Review the impact on western horse mackerel quota: if your fleet also operates with western horse mackerel quota (JAX/2A-14), check whether the cession to France has affected your fishing possibilities in that species.

Official source

Consult complete regulation at official source

Notice: This article is for informational purposes only 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-2026-20579