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BOE-A-2026-17563 ·11 August 2026 ·Resolution Medium impact
Administrative

Vessels not targeting bluefin tuna: 2026 incidental catch limits and deadlines

The regulation sets conditions for incidental bluefin tuna catches during the 2026 campaign by fleets not actively targeting the species (art. II.2). A total quota of 233.92 tonnes is allocated among the Cantabrian Northwest, Mediterranean, Strait of Gibraltar, and vessels based in Algeciras, Barbate, Conil, La Línea or Tarifa (art. II.2). Catches are limited to one fish per vessel and tide, or per day if the tide duration is less than 24 hours (First).

In 3 key points

  1. Catch limit: one bluefin tuna per vessel and tide (or per day if tide duration is less than 24 hours), First. (Primero)
  2. Total quota for non-targeting fleets: 233.92 tonnes, art. II.2. (art. II.2)
  3. Season ends on 31 December 2026, Third. (Tercero)

How it affects those involved

Vessels operating in the Cantabrian Northwest, Mediterranean, Strait of Gibraltar, and specific Cadiz ports may retain bluefin tuna under strict quantity limits (one fish per tide/day). Vessel operators must provide seven days’ advance notice to avoid sanctions or quota deductions in 2027 for overages (Second and Considerations). Vessels dedicated to bivalve and cephalopod fishing are excluded (art. II.2).

Lifecycle

2026-08-11PublishedPublished in the BOE
2026-08-12Into forceComes into force (Tercero)
Official text Based on BOE data (boe.es). Information, not advice.

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This analysis is informational only and does not constitute legal advice or create a client-adviser relationship. BM Consulting.
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