The Balearic Islands counted 44,070 recreational fishing licenses in 2023

The 2024 Mar Balear Report has compiled updated information on the benefits the sea provides, the status of the fishing sector in the Islands, and the exploited species of sharks and rays. These are some examples of results shown in the newly published chapters: Benefits and Fishing.

The professional fishing activity in the Balearic Islands provides between 15 and 17% of the fish marketed in the islands. The data collected indicates that it is a sector in decline. From 1950 to 2023, professional fishing vessels have been reduced from 1,265 to 257 in the Balearic Islands, a decrease of 80%. As for the crew, during the same period, it has gone from 4,976 crew members to just 461, a reduction of 91% over 74 years.

Regarding the types of fishing for these vessels, in 2023 there were 226 small-scale fishing vessels, while in 2014 there were 277, a reduction of 18% in 10 years. In 2023 there were 31 trawling vessels, 68% less than in 1975, when there were 96.

However, recreational fishing is on the rise. A total of 44,070 recreational fishing licenses (boats, spearfishing, individual and sport) were counted in 2023. In this sense, the increase in licenses between 1997 and 2004 is particularly noteworthy.

In 2023 there were 11,743 valid recreational boat fishing licenses, while there were a total of 257 professional fishing vessels, meaning there are 46 recreational fishing vessels for every professional one.

Marine aquaculture in the Balearic Islands generated total revenues of 16.7 million euros in 2023. Aquaculture in the Balearics began in Menorca around 1880, with the first mollusk farms in parks and rafts intended for the island's consumption and exploited in a completely artisanal manner. Between 1984 and 2007, fish aquaculture also developed in Mallorca.

Since 2007, no fish production has been done through aquaculture. This was replaced by the production of gilthead bream (Sparus aurata) and seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) fry, which are taken to the Peninsula to be fattened. The production of fry in the Balearics has increased considerably over the last 20 years. In 2003, the economic value of the fry produced was 1.95 million euros, while in 2023 it was 16.5 million euros.

As for the aquaculture production of mollusks, it only exists in Menorca and is based on the production of mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and grooved carpet shells (Venus verrugosa). The production of carpet shells, although very minor in terms of weight, has significant economic value. However, in recent years it has drastically reduced. In 2006, it represented 32% of the total mollusk production, while in 2022 it was only 0.2% of the total. Comparing by weight, 5 tons were produced in 1994 and 1995, while in 2022 production was only 0.02 t. In 2023 it reached 0.5 t.