𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 s𝐞𝐚𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐝 g𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬

The Calant Xarxes Alliance, of which Marilles is a member, is launching a sustainable fish and seafood consumption guide for the Balearic Islands in collaboration with the Institute of Menorcan Studies-Socio-Environmental Observatory of Menorca (IME-OBSAM). Its objective is to provide consumers with a practical tool to make informed decisions, promoting the diversification of fishery product consumption.

This initiative seeks to reduce pressure on the most vulnerable species, support local fishers, and contribute to the conservation of the Balearic Sea.

Guide content

The guide provides a detailed description of 40 fish and seafood species, classified into two groups. The first group includes 16 lesser-consumed species, noted for their low vulnerability and minimal health risk. These are species with little market demand, some of which historically formed part of the traditional Balearic diet but whose consumption has declined over time. The second group includes the 24 most consumed and emblematic species, which present varying levels of vulnerability and health risks.

Additionally, each entry provides useful information on seasonality, fishing methods, and the characteristics of the species. General recommendations are also included regarding product handling, labelling, preparation methods, and health benefits.

Elisa Martínez, coordinator of the Calant Xarxes Alliance, explains: ‘With this guide, we provide consumers with a tool to help them choose local, traceable, seasonal fish and seafood that complies with minimum size regulations, prioritising those with lower vulnerability and health risks.’

The guide has been made possible thanks to collaboration with the fishing guilds of Mallorca, Ciutadella, Maó, Fornells, Sant Antoni, Ibiza, and Formentera; OpMallorcamar; Peixatería Sa Llotja; the Balearic Federation of Fishers Guilds; researchers from Balearic Oceanographic Centre - Spanish Institute of Oceanography (COB-IEO), and the government of the Balearic Islands.

Download it in English, Catalan, and Spanish here.