Fishing is an activity that has been vital to mankind for thousands of years, and the importance it has had in our history is undeniable.
However, nowadays, it is important to practice it in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way to ensure the long-term conservation of marine resources.
So today we will explore tips and recommendations for fishing in Ibiza while respecting the environment.
Why is it important to fish in an environmentally friendly way?
Overexploitation of fish stocks and destructive fishing practices have a negative impact on marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.
Fishing sustainably is essential to preserve biodiversity, maintain healthy ecosystems and ensure the availability of fish stocks in the future.
Whether it's for sport or to get your own food, caring for Ibiza's marine life is vitally important.
Learn everything you need to know!
Choice of sustainable fishing techniques
There are several fishing techniques that are considered more sustainable than others. Some recommendations include:
Angling
Angling is a selective technique that reduces by-catch of unwanted species. It also allows the release of live fish without causing them harm or undue stress.
It is one of the methods preferred by the lovers of this practice, as it requires a great deal of expertise and allows you to choose what to catch and what not to catch.
Have you ever been angling before?
Longline fishing
It is a less common method because of the difficulty involved in preparation.
The system consists of a series of hooks arranged at a specific depth according to the species to be caught. It is important to note that the hooks are usually round in order not to catch turtles and other protected species.
Sounds interesting?
Pots and traps
It is not so much used with fish, but with octopus, lobsters, and other types of crustaceans.
It is ideal as it allows us to capture and, if necessary, release anything we are not looking for.
We're sure you've seen them before!
Knowledge of local fisheries regulations
It is essential to find out about local fishing regulations before engaging in any fishing activity. It is important to note that in Ibiza you need a licence to carry out this activity, even if it is recreational.
Some common regulations include:
Minimum and maximum sizes
Many species have minimum and maximum catch sizes established to protect juveniles and ensure the reproduction of the species.
The GOIB has a complete Ibiza fishing guide and even a mobile application.
Consult it before leaving!
Fishing seasons
Some species have specific fishing seasons to limit pressure on stocks during critical breeding or migration periods.
It also establishes general limits on where you can fish, for example within 100 m of places frequented by bathers, on the beach between 1 May and 30 September, in special protection areas...
Consult the GOIB fishing guide for more information!
Quotas and catch limits
Quotas and catch limits are measures established to control the amount of fish taken and to avoid overexploitation of the species.
Proper handling of catches
Once a catch is made, it is important to manage it properly to ensure the survival of released fish and minimise stress to those retained.
Some of ourrecommendations are as follows:
If you are going to release it: responsible catch and release
When sport fishing, it is essential to follow responsible catch and release practices.
This involves minimising the fish's fighting time, using barbless hooks and handling the fish with care to avoid injury.
Take care of them if you are going to return them to the sea.!
If you are keeping them: proper handling of the fish
If fish are retained for consumption, it is important to handle them properly.
This includes killing them quickly and humanely, cleaning them efficiently and avoiding unnecessary waste.
Blue Ocean with responsible fishing in Ibiza
We hope you find this post about environmentally friendly fishing in Ibiza useful.
If you want more tips on how to sail on the island, what to do during your holiday or how to rent a boat, check out our blog for more information.
Happy responsible fishing!
