The Spanish government not only put ban on octopus fishing but also offers a schedule of port entry and exit to the fleet of lesser gear targeting octopus fishing, contending that this measure “contributes to the development and execution of the ordinance of said fishery.” Fishing octopus is of great importance in the Gulf of Cadiz as it constitutes a livelihood for a major part of the fishing sector of the zone.
The information revealed that on 11 October 1996 the Agriculture and Fisheries Council regulated the capture of octopus in the gulf, establishing a minimum catch size for inner waters, as well as a ban on recreational marine fishing. The then-Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food – now the Ministry of Environment and Rural and Marine Affairs (MARM) – expanded said limitations for the external waters of the gulf.
Official figure shows that in July 18.54 tonnes of octopus were landed in the markets of Galicia, that is, 23 percent less than in the previous week when 24.14 tonnes were unloaded. The General Directorate of Customs reports that 14,856 tonnes of octopus were exported from January to June 2009, 3 percent less than in the same period of 2008 when 15,273 tonnes were exported.
