A debate has erupted in Spain over a recently adopted law regulating oversight and penalties in the fishing industry. Environmental organizations are convinced that without full transparency regarding vessel ownership, efforts to combat illegal fishing will remain ineffective. They are calling on lawmakers to require mandatory disclosure of the real owners of fishing vessels in order to put an end to schemes that hide the true beneficiaries.
The new version of the law increases accountability for violations, introduces stricter inspections, and toughens penalties for those involved in illegal fishing. Spain aims to set an example for other EU countries in the management of marine resources. However, environmental advocates believe that the lack of open data on vessel ownership creates loopholes for criminal schemes. Through shell companies and offshore structures, illegal activity can continue without fear of consequences.
Environmentalists note that a significant portion of vessels registered outside the European Union are in fact owned by Spanish companies or citizens. Some are registered in countries with weak controls, increasing the risk of poaching and other crimes, including the transport of prohibited goods. This situation undermines trust in the industry and puts honest fishermen, who follow all the rules, at risk.
Why transparency matters for the industry
According to experts, making information about ship owners public will help distinguish honest market participants from those who use shady practices. This will not only boost the reputation of Spanish fisheries, but also help authorities identify and punish violators more effectively. Similar measures have already proven successful in other sectors of the economy, and environmentalists are convinced the maritime industry should not be an exception.
Now, environmental organizations are calling on lawmakers and senators to add a clause on public access to data about fishing vessel owners to the bill. They believe this is the only way to ensure proper oversight and prevent Spanish flags from being used to cover up illegal activities. The issue of transparency has become central to discussions about the future of the country’s fishing industry.
