Subsidizable days bottom trawling Mediterranean 2026: what it means for vessel owners

Key data

Vessel owners of bottom trawling vessels in the Mediterranean already have their allocation of maximum subsidizable days for 2026 published. The Resolution of April 30, 2026 from the General Secretariat of Fisheries, published in the BOE of May 15, 2026, establishes the specific number of days assigned to each vessel within the management plan for the conservation of demersal resources in the Mediterranean.

This allocation is not a minor administrative procedure: it determines the economic ceiling of the aid that each vessel owner can receive in 2026 for temporarily halting their activity. Knowing it and managing it well is a business decision with direct consequences for the bottom line.

What does this regulation establish?

The resolution publishes the individualized list by vessel of the maximum subsidizable days for reduction of fishing effort during the year 2026. This mechanism operates within the framework established by the Order APA/423/2020, of May 18, which regulates the management plan for the conservation of demersal fishing resources in the Mediterranean Sea.

The operation is as follows: the Administration provides economic incentives for temporary halting of the bottom trawling fleet as a resource conservation measure. In exchange for not fishing during a determined number of days, vessel owners can receive a subsidy. The number of days assigned to each vessel is the ceiling of that subsidy: aid cannot be requested for more days than those assigned.

The key elements established by this resolution are:

• Individualized list by vessel with the specific number of maximum subsidizable days for 2026.
• Application of the framework of Order APA/423/2020 to the annual fiscal year 2026.
• Determination of the maximum amount of aid that each vessel can request based on its assigned days.
• Basis for correct processing of subsidy applications for temporary halting.

To consult the specific allocation for each vessel, it is necessary to access the full text of the resolution published in the BOE, where the individualized list by vessel is listed.

Economic and operational impact

The economic impact of this resolution occurs in two directions: as an income opportunity and as a risk of loss if not managed correctly.

As an opportunity: each subsidizable day assigned represents an amount of aid to which the vessel owner is entitled if they halt their vessel's activity during that period. The more days assigned, the higher the available subsidy ceiling. Planning fishing activity taking into account this allocation allows maximizing the use of aid.

As a risk: non-compliance or incorrect management of subsidizable days can result in two serious consequences:

• Loss of aid: if the application is not processed correctly or the halting of assigned days is not proven, the right to the subsidy is lost.
• Obligation to return: if aid has been received and subsequently incorrect management is detected, the vessel owner may be obligated to return the amounts received, with applicable interest and surcharges.

From an operational perspective, this resolution requires vessel owners to plan halting periods in advance, coordinating the vessel's activity with assigned days to maximize economic benefit and ensure regulatory compliance.

Who does it affect?

• Vessel owners of bottom trawling vessels in the Mediterranean listed in the list published by the General Secretariat of Fisheries with subsidizable days assigned for 2026.
• Proprietors of bottom trawling vessels operating in Mediterranean waters under the scope of Order APA/423/2020.
• Managers and administrators of fishing companies with bottom trawling fleet in the Mediterranean who must plan activity and process aid applications.
• Advisors and managers providing services to Mediterranean fishing sector companies and who must process subsidy applications for reduction of fishing effort.

Practical example

A vessel owner with a bottom trawling vessel operating in the Mediterranean receives notification that their vessel has been assigned, for example, 60 maximum subsidizable days for 2026 according to the list published in this resolution.

This means they can request the subsidy for temporary halting for a maximum of 60 days during fiscal year 2026. If they correctly plan the periods of inactivity and prove them to the Administration, they will be able to receive the aid corresponding to those 60 days.

If, on the other hand, they do not consult their allocation, do not file the application on time, or do not correctly prove the halting, they will lose the right to that aid for fiscal year 2026. And if they had already received advances or partial payments without meeting the requirements, they could be forced to return them.

The first step, therefore, is to locate the vessel in the BOE-A-2026-10585 list and note the exact number of assigned days, which is the data that governs all planning and aid applications for this year.

What should vessel owners do now?

1. Consult the BOE list: access the full text of the Resolution of April 30, 2026 (BOE-A-2026-10585) and locate your own vessel to know the exact number of maximum subsidizable days assigned for 2026.
2. Plan halting periods: with the day allocation in hand, design the calendar of vessel inactivity for the rest of fiscal year 2026, maximizing the use of subsidizable days.
3. Correctly process the subsidy application: submit the aid application for reduction of fishing effort respecting the assigned days and properly proving the halting to the General Secretariat of Fisheries.
4. Document the halting: keep all documentation that proves the days of vessel inactivity, as it will be necessary to justify the subsidy and avoid return requirements.
5. Review compliance with Order APA/423/2020: verify that the vessel's activity complies with the management plan for the conservation of demersal resources in the Mediterranean, the framework in which these aid are framed.