Severe Penalty for Illegal Longline Fishing in Mallorca's Marine Protected Area

Satellite monitoring: Illegal longline fishing detected in the protected area

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In the early hours of September 23, harbor workers reported that during conversations at the quay there was talk of a boat that had been caught in the “wrong place.” Authorities have since confirmed: a professional fisherman fished in the Llevant marine protected area in eastern Mallorca with longlines—a method strictly forbidden in the protected area.

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The violation was not discovered by a passerby or during a control patrol, but by satellite monitoring: the so-called “green box” system shows repeatedly where fishing occurs. The recordings were clear enough, according to the Fisheries Directorate. For many locals this is not a surprise, but rather a welcome step, because on-sea controls are difficult, especially in light winds and short nights.

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What penalties could follow?

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The fisherman now faces a fine of up to 60,000 euros and the revocation of his fishing license. Antoni Maria Grau, Director General for Fisheries, stresses that interventions in protected areas are not only illegal but also unfair to those who adhere to quotas and seasonal closures: “Whoever fishes in protected areas endangers whole stocks and the work of colleagues,” the statement says.

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Experts warn: longlines can severely damage the seabed and juvenile fish. In protected zones like Llevant, where seagrass beds and juvenile habitats are found, this is especially problematic. Some fishermen who work sustainably have told us that they have long felt that the rules are not enforced equally everywhere.

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In Port de Manacor and small towns along the east coast, mixed reactions were heard this week—relief among environmentalists, concern among families who live from fishing. The authorities announced intensified controls: satellite data will in the future be more often combined with inspection trips and random checks.

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Ultimately it comes down to two things that are hard to reconcile: protecting sensitive marine areas and ensuring the livelihoods of professional fishermen. The authorities are now relying on deterrence – with hefty penalties and the clear message: a protected area is a protected area. For the coastal communities, there is hope that controls will be fair and transparent—and that fish stocks can recover without destroying entire livelihoods.