Published 02 October 2026 | Community

TL;DR: The Almeria trawl fleet has gained increased red shrimp quotas thanks to a quota exchange agreement with France, benefitting local fishing ports and vessels.

Almeria Fleet Gains More Red Shrimp Quota

Quota Exchange Agreement

The red shrimp fishing grounds off Almeria will see a boost in available catch thanks to a recent quota exchange between French and Spanish fleets. This exchange grants Spain an additional 28 tonnes of red shrimp fishing quota from French waters along the Mediterranean coast. The new limits took effect after a government order was published on 28 September, setting the capture volumes in line with European fisheries regulations.

Allocation Among Local Fleets

The quota increase benefits 20 trawl vessels based in Almeria province. Of these, 15 are from Carboneras and 5 from the Port of Almeria. Each vessel’s permitted catch is determined annually based on its three best years of landings between 2019 and 2024, with a 4% reduction for Spain’s overall national quota. The adjustment allows vessels to capitalize on the additional quota and a reserved portion of the TAC (Total Admissible Catch) authorized by the government.

Vessel Quotas and Impact

Almerian trawlers will enjoy varying additional quota allocations. For example, Asopesca’s fleet operates vessels such as Nova Gasela and Maria Gador with quota increases in the range of roughly 12 tonnes each. The OPP71 group, including boats like Faro de Abdera and Sol de Almeria, can collectively capture 13.2 tonnes more. Carboneras’ Cofradia fishermen operate four vessels like Playa Azul and Siempre el Rata, each receiving an adjustment of 24.3 tonnes. Meanwhile, the Carboneras producers’ organisation’s eleven boats, including Nuevo Amanecer de Mayor and Simón el Morato, will have about 21 tonnes added per vessel.

Continuing Growth After Previous Increases

This boost builds on similar increases made last year when the Spanish government acquired an additional 40 tonnes of quota from France through a similar exchange mechanism. The consistent quota enhancements support the sustainability and viability of Almerian red shrimp fisheries, helping to maintain the economic health of local fishing communities and their ports.

Local Importance

The quota adjustments reaffirm the importance of the red shrimp fishery for Almeria’s coastal economy, especially in ports like Carboneras and Almeria city. These increments in allowable catches provide welcome support for the local trawl fleet and the associated fishery-dependent industries, helping to keep the region competitive under EU-managed fisheries rules.

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