Spain commit to renew EU-Morocco agreement

Spain "will try to lend a hand," said the minister when asked about the agreement, during a visit to the International University of Menéndez Pelayo in Santander.

According to Espinosa, the agreement allows the Spanish fishing sector to generate jobs and income, as well as enabling Morocco to develop its ports and infrastructure, through agreements with the EU and bilateral arrangements with Spain.

Espinosa also discussed the possibility of advancing the 2011 hake quota, saying that it was a feasible alternative.

At the beginning of 2010, "we knew perfectly well what the situation was" in regards to hake quotas for Spanish ships, as they "had risen sharply in recent years," she said.

However, she acknowledged that "we have reached the quota ahead of schedule."

The Spanish fishing sector is divided between those who want to advance the quota, and those who say it will not solve the problem as the catch is removed from the quota for next year, reports La Nueva España.

With regards to the situation of bluefin tuna, the head of MARM stressed that failure to care for and preserve the species, "would be detrimental" as Spain is one of the main producers of the species.

Finally, Espinosa thanked the "effort" of all those involved in the Spanish fishing sector.

"We have to be aware that, if they hadn't helped us, we would have to close tomorrow as there wouldn't even be a single tuna left," she said.

Related article:

- EU, Moroccan authorities review fisheries accord

By Analia Murias
editorial@fis.com