The sector calls for decisions based on scientific evidence, territorial experience and a comprehensive evaluation of the factors affecting the species
On the eve of the meeting of the Committee on Flora and Fauna, convened by the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO), the Professional Association for the Fishing and Marketing of Glass Eel (APROANG), in collaboration with the National Federation of Fishermen’s Guilds (FNCP), has promoted a manifesto that already has the support of various sector entities.
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The document calls for a comprehensive management of the European eel, supported by verified scientific data and a complete assessment of the social, economic and environmental impacts associated with the activity.
Support for the manifesto comes from fishermen’s guilds, professional associations and representative entities from different autonomous communities: Galicia, Asturias, Basque Country, Catalonia, Valencian Community and Murcia, as well as from the cross-border area of the Miño River and the Portuguese fishing sector. This support demonstrates the territorial and sectoral dimension of a traditional activity deeply rooted along the coast and river basins.
Photo: courtesy Angulas Río Miño
Commitment to sustainability and current regulations
The signatory entities share concern about the status of the European eel (Anguilla anguilla) and reiterate their commitment to sustainability and strict compliance with current regulations.
Professional glass eel fishing in Spain is carried out under management plans approved by the competent authorities, which establish strict limitations on fishing days, reduced quotas, daily catch control and full traceability from origin to the final consumer.
The manifesto underlines the need to address the situation of the species from a broad perspective, taking into account both regulated fishing activity and the structural factors that affect its recovery: the fragmentation of rivers, water quality, the presence of physical barriers and other causes of mortality.
Photo: Stockfile/FIS -->
Socioeconomic impact on the territory
In this context, APROANG recalls that the glass eel value chain generates a significant impact in numerous coastal and river regions. According to the report “Socioeconomic Impact of the Glass Eel Value Chain in Spain”, prepared by the University of Vigo, the activity produces a total impact of over 46 million euros and sustains nearly 500 full-time equivalent jobs.
Photo: Stockfile/FIS
The sector also conveys a message of reassurance to clients, operators and consumers, emphasizing that professional glass eel fishing in Spain is one of the most regulated in Europe, and is carried out under strict regulatory frameworks, in line with Regulation (EC) 1100/2007 and the approved management plans.
Both APROANG and the signatory entities call for any future decision to take into account the professional sector, the full body of available scientific evidence, and the social, economic and territorial dimension of a centuries-old traditional activity linked to numerous families in rural and coastal areas.
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