Page 33 - Fishery_Regimes_2005

EMPAFISH Booklet nº 2 Fishery regimes in Atlanto-Mediterranean European MPAs

MPA: Anti-trawling zones (SE Spain)

Location: 38°25’N 00°21’E
Country: Spain
Coastal/Island: Coastal
Total size: 20 – 800 ha
Integral size: -
Year of establishment: 1989, 1996
Depth range: 0 – 28 m
Protection objectives: Fisheries enhancement, protection of
sea grasses
Type of MPA: Artificial Reef
Habitats: Posidonia oceanica beds and Maërl
Socio-economic activities: Diving, tourism and fishing

Activities Anti-trawling zones
Forbidden (Trawling)
Restricted Fishing
Allowed Angling, spear fishing, scuba diving, swimming,
boating, anchoring, scientific research

Description of the fisheries in and around the MPA:

The anti-trawling reefs were established mainly to protect the
Posidonia oceanica meadows.
Within the anti-trawling reefs, fishing activities are not regulated. The
fleet works in the fishing-grounds close to the artificial reefs, using
trammel nets for mullets (mesh size <40 mm) and cuttlefish (mesh
size 40 - 60 mm). There is evidence that their captures have increased
around some artificial reefs (e.g.: El Campello) due to an increase of
stocks favoured by the ban of trawling.
Many of the anti-trawling reefs are managed by the regional
government.

Area Gear Seasonality Target Species Bycatch Species No. of
Vessels
Trammel net Mar-Aug Mullus surmuletus,
(trasmallos Scorpaena scrofa,
Inside/outside finos) Scorpaena porcus, 25
Dentex dentex,
Sepia officinalis
Trammel net May-Sept Palinurus elephas,
(trasmallos Dentex dentex,
claros) Scorpaena scrofa,
Phycis phycis,
Pagellus erythrinus
Gill net Oct-Jan Sepia officinalis,
Sparus aurata,
Diplodus sargus

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