We submit comments on the management plan for professional fishing in the bays of Pollença and Alcúdia

Photo:Sebastià Torrens

Arrels Marines, Marilles Foundation, GOB Mallorca, and Shark Med have submitted comments on the draft decree of the management plan for professional fishing in the inland waters of the bays of Pollença and Alcúdia. Each organisationpresented its proposals and amendments after several joint working meetings and consultations with experts in the field.

All the organisations agree in thanking the DG Fisheries and the fishing sector for their willingness to draw up this plan. Indeed, the comments submitted are aimed at improving fisheries management, the conservation of marine resources, and co-management between all sectors involved.

The four organisations agree on a series of points and arguments in the amendments:

• We request that Smoothhound shark (Mustelus mustelus) should not be removed from the list of species protected in marine reserves, both because this is recommended by scientific data and because this proposal is unrelated to the objective of the decree, going beyond the management of fishing in the bays of Pollença and Alcúdia.
• We consider that the modification of the validity of underwater fishing licences from one year to three years should not be included in this plan. Furthermore, we do not consider this measure to be appropriate.
• With regard to the possibility of allowing trawling in the area known as Mollets, GOB requests that this fishing method not be allowed in this area. Other organisations are calling for more scientific data on the presence of vulnerable habitats in this area, on fishing effort, and on the monitoring of vessels before allowing this activity.
• More studies and data are requested on vulnerable habitats and species, especially as the presence of species of high ecological value, such as gorgonians, is known.

One of the points considered fundamental for fisheries management in the bays of Pollença and Alcúdia is the role of the Co-management Commission. From the outset, it is considered that the plan should have been developed from the beginning by a participatory commission that also included representation from conservation organisations. There are plenty of examples of participation by these organisations showing it is possible to carry out useful work in harmony with the fishing sector and the administration.

Furthermore, it is considered that the Co-management Commission should not only be an advisory board, but should also have greater capacity for action so that its role is truly one of shared management. That is why the organisations have agreed on several points in their submissions, calling for a redefinition of the functions and composition of this Commission.

In short, we express our willingness to be involved in the management of fishing in the protected area of the Pollença and Alcúdia bays, which are designated as Sites of Community Importance (SCIs). We call for the promotion and consideration of scientific knowledge about the marine species and habitats present there. And we welcome the willingness of the Directorate-General for Fisheries and the fishing sector to make progress in improving the conservation of marine life.