The collection of mussels in Fuerteventura will be allowed once again until 30 November, after a 22-year ban, following a resolution from the Directorate General of Fisheries which approved a request from the Gran Tarajal Fishermen’s Guild.
Canary Islands Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food Sovereignty councillor Narvay Quintero and the Canarian Coalition parliamentary group outlined the new regulations. Recreational shellfish gatherers must have a license, will be permitted to collect on weekends and holidays, and will face a limit of three kilos per person per day. Professionals can collect daily during this period, with a maximum of 25 kilos per week.
However, the resolution signed by the Fishing Directorate on 14 October, which Fuerteventura Digital accessed, does not specifically mention these conditions apart from the dates requested by the guild, nor does it include the scientific study on the species’ status requested by the guild.
In a video shared in the Canary Islands Parliament, Quintero stated that the reopening of the mussel fishery responds to demands from professionals and the nationalist group in the regional chamber. “Over a year ago, we started a study to reopen the mussel fishery on Fuerteventura, a traditional and historic activity on this island,” he said. He added that one of the study’s recommendations includes allowing mussel harvesting from now until 30 November, with a further reopening in May and June of 2027.
As of this article’s publication, the resolution has not been published in the Official Bulletin of the Canary Islands or the Government of Canary Islands’ announcement board, and it may not be published at all, according to sources from the department.
These sources also indicated that the Directorate General of Fisheries will soon provide clarifying information on their website.
The Fisheries resolution refers to the existing Order from 16 July 2004, which still prohibits mussel extraction along the entire coast of Fuerteventura. This regulation also states that if recovery goals are not met, the ban will automatically extend annually, and lifting it requires evidence of resource recovery before a new order can be approved.
Notably, the Directorate acknowledges that, at the time of the guild’s request, there is no scientific evidence to confirm that the populations of Perna perna have recovered, although it cannot confirm that the same conditions that led to the ban still exist.
The latest available study, conducted by the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in 2014, indicated signs of overexploitation and recommended maintaining the ban.
Canarian Coalition parliamentary member Mario Cabrera expressed optimism, stating, “We have observed the regeneration of the species,” attributing this to “nature itself” and enhanced control and monitoring.
During his speech in the regional parliament, Cabrera highlighted that shellfishing is a pre-Hispanic activity rooted deeply in islands like Fuerteventura, evidenced by “the shell middens scattered across the territory, mainly near archaeological sites.”
Since 2004, mussel fishing has been banned due to the species’ decline in the area, driven by illegal harvesting. Cabrera recalled that the Fuerteventura Island Council had initiated this restriction due to the drastic reduction in mussel populations.
Over the last 22 years, various studies and research projects have attempted to understand the species’ behaviour and recovery potential, but “none achieved the desired results,” according to the nationalist statement.
Cabrera also mentioned projects related to mussels, such as Perna 360º FV, which involves the Canarian Research Agency, the Council, ECOAQUA-ULPGC, PLOCAN, and the Fuerteventura Technology Park. This initiative focuses on mussel farming and aerial monitoring, with Cabrera supporting the use of drones for enhanced coastline surveillance and studying the impact of shellfishing activities on the species.
Cabrera concluded by emphasising that while this exceptional period for harvesting mussels is “good news,” it comes with “a degree of responsibility.” He urged, “If the species is recovering, it is because we’ve become more conscious. Let’s be aware now, get our licenses, respect the allowed quantities, and enjoy what nature offers us while maintaining respect and balance.”
