Report on the Current Legislation and Common Management Practices in the AA Region

1 This project is co-financed by the Interreg Atlantic Area Programme through the European Regional Development Fund. DiadSea - Transnational Cooperation to Improve the Management and Conservation of Diadromous Fish at Sea (EAPA_0011/2022) Deliverable D14 Report on the Current Legislation and Common Management Practices in the AA Region Version 3 Date 26/11/2025 Joana Boavida-Portugal, Elisabeth Julien, Pedro R. Almeida, Carlos Alexandre, Sara Silva, Bernardo Quintella, Rui Monteiro, Inês Oliveira, Ana Filipa Belo, José Lino Costa, Ciara O’Leary, Anthony Brett, Russell Poole, Rufino Vieira, Laurent Beaulaton, Geraldine Lassalle, Aurore Baisez, Catarina Mateus 2 This project is co-financed by the Interreg Atlantic Area Programme through the European Regional Development Fund. Document details Deliverable type Report Deliverable number D14 Deliverable title Draft Report of the Current Legislation and Common Management practices in the AA region Version V3 Contractual delivery date June 2024 Actual delivery date June 2024 but final version submitted in November 2025 Dissemination level Public Document abstract This document presents an overview of the current legislation and common management practices for diadromous fishes across the Atlantic Area (Portugal, Spain, France and Ireland), produced within the scope of Work Package 4 of the DiadSea project. We give an overview of the shared EU framework, national and regional contexts which shape management priorities and approaches. Diadromous fish populations in the region face a range of complex pressures, and the management responses - including regulatory measures, scientific knowledge, habitat restoration and community involvementare implemented through cooperation between agencies, research institutions and local stakeholders. Revision History Revision Date Description Author V1.0 June 2024 Create Draft Joana BoavidaPortugal (MAREUÉvora) V1.0 September 2024 Revision Catarina Mateus (MARE-UÉvora) V1.0 October 2024 Revision Pedro Almeida (MARE-UÉvora) V1.0 November 2024 Revision Carlos Alexandre (MARE-UÉvora) V1.0 November 2024 Revision Sara Silva (MAREUÉvora) V1.0 November 2024 Revision Inês Oliveira (MARE-UÉvora) 3 This project is co-financed by the Interreg Atlantic Area Programme through the European Regional Development Fund. V1.0 November 2024 Revision Ana Filipa Belo (MARE-UÉvora) V1.0 February 2025 Revision Bernardo Quintella (MAREFCUL) V1.0 February 2025 Revision Rui Monteiro (MARE-FCUL) V1.0 February 2025 Revision José Lino Costa (MARE-FCUL) V1.0 February 2025 Revision Ciara O’Leary (IFI) V1.0 February 2025 Revision Anthony Brett (IFI) V1.0 February 2025 Revision Russell Poole (MI) V1.0 February 2025 Revision Rufino Vieira (USC) V2.0 October 2025 Revision Laurent Beaulaton (OFB) V2.0 October 2025 Revision Geraldine Lassalle (INRAE) V2.0 October 2025 Revision Aurore Baisez (Logrami) V3.0 October 2025 Revision and Final Edition Elisabeth Julien (MARE-UÉvora) This project is co-financed by the Interreg Atlantic Area Programme through the European Regional Development Fund. 1 CONTENTS 1 List of Tables ................................................................................................................................................................................. 3 2 List of Figures ................................................................................................................................................................................ 4 3 Abbreviations................................................................................................................................................................................ 5 4 Acknowledgement........................................................................................................................................................................ 6 5 Summary ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 7 6 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................................10 7 Current legislation and common management practices of diadromous fishes in the AA region .......................................11 7.1.1 Legislation.....................................................................................................................................................................11 7.1.2 Conservation status .....................................................................................................................................................12 8 Legislation and management in AA National Contexts............................................................................................................14 8.1 Portugal ................................................................................................................................................................................14 8.1.1 Legislation.....................................................................................................................................................................14 8.1.2 Management Practices................................................................................................................................................14 8.1.3 Key Agencies and Organizations .................................................................................................................................19 8.1.4 Other Considerations...................................................................................................................................................20 8.1.5 Monitoring and Enforcement .....................................................................................................................................20 8.1.6 Challenges ....................................................................................................................................................................21 8.2 Spain .....................................................................................................................................................................................22 8.2.1 Legislation.....................................................................................................................................................................22 8.2.2 Management Practices................................................................................................................................................22 8.2.3 Key Agencies and Organizations .................................................................................................................................25 8.2.4 Recreational Fishing Regulations ................................................................................................................................25 8.2.5 Enforcement.................................................................................................................................................................25 8.2.6 Challenges ....................................................................................................................................................................26 8.3 France...................................................................................................................................................................................26 8.3.1 Legislation.....................................................................................................................................................................26 8.3.2 Management Practices ................................................................................................................................................27 8.3.3 Key Agencies and Organizations .................................................................................................................................29 8.3.4 Enforcement.................................................................................................................................................................29 8.3.5 Challenges ....................................................................................................................................................................29 8.4 Ireland ..................................................................................................................................................................................30 8.4.1 Legislation.....................................................................................................................................................................30 8.4.2 Management Practices................................................................................................................................................30 8.4.3 Key Agencies and Organizations .................................................................................................................................33 8.4.4 Recreational Fishing Regulations ................................................................................................................................33 8.4.5 Enforcement and Monitoring .....................................................................................................................................33 This project is co-financed by the Interreg Atlantic Area Programme through the European Regional Development Fund. 2 8.4.6 Challenges ....................................................................................................................................................................34 9 Conclusion...................................................................................................................................................................................35 This project is co-financed by the Interreg Atlantic Area Programme through the European Regional Development Fund. 3 1 List of Tables Table 1. Conservation status of diadromous species of interest, as per National Red Lists, European Red List and IUCN Red list. In order of concern: Data Deficient (DD), Least Concern (LC) in blue < Near Threatened (NT) in green < Vulnerable (VU) in yellow< En ................................................................................................................................ 12 This project is co-financed by the Interreg Atlantic Area Programme through the European Regional Development Fund. 4 2 List of Figures Figure 1. Overview of current frameworks and actors influencing diadromous fish management across the AA............ 11 Figure 2. European eel, Anguila anguila.................................................................................................................................... 15 Figure 3. Traditional sea lamprey fishing traps (“botirão”) in River Mondego. .................................................................... 17 Figure 4. Scientific monitoring of diadromous fish species. On the picture to the left, acoustic telemetry is used to track trout. On the right, shad is weighed and measured................................................................................................. 19 Figure 5. Sea lamprey, Petromyzon marinus ........................................................................................................................... 22 Figure 6. Sea trout on measuring table during biological sampling of national rivers......................................................... 23 Figure 7. Map of French river basins and the associated diadromous fish management committee (COGEPOMI) and associated migratory associations. Corsica is now a separate COGEPOMI ............................................................... 27 Figure 8. Allis shad, Alosa alosa. ............................................................................................................................................... 28 Figure 9. Salmon, Salmo salar. .................................................................................................................................................. 33 This project is co-financed by the Interreg Atlantic Area Programme through the European Regional Development Fund. 5 3 Abbreviations Abbreviations CCDR-N Comissão de Coordenação e Desenvolvimento Regional do Norte CFP Common Fisheries Policy COGEPOMI Comité de Gestion des Poissons Migrateurs (comittee for migratory fish managment) DF Diadromous Fishes DGRM Direção-Geral de Recursos Naturais, Segurança e Serviços Marítimos EC European Commission EEC European Economic Community EMP Eel Management Plan EPA Environmental Protection Agency ERDF European Regional Development Fund ESB Electricity Supply Board EU European Union GNR-SEPNA Guarda Nacional Republicana-Serviço de Protecção da Natureza e do Ambiente GNR-UCC Guarda Nacional Republicana-Unidade de Controlo Costeiro e de Fronteiras ICNF Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas IFI Inland Fisheries Ireland INRAE L’Institut national de recherche pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et l'environnement IPMA Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera MPA Marine Protected Area MSFD Marine Strategy Framework Directive OFB Office Français de la Biodiversité PSP Polícia de Segurança Pública SAC Special Areas of Conservation This project is co-financed by the Interreg Atlantic Area Programme through the European Regional Development Fund. 6 4 Acknowledgement The authors thank the financial and institutional support provided by the INTERREG Atlantic Area Programme and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), which fund DiadSea. Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Norte Portugal Regional Coordination and Development Commission (Comissão de Coordenação e Desenvolvimento Regional do Norte - CCDR-N). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority / CCDR-N can be held responsible for them. This project is co-financed by the Interreg Atlantic Area Programme through the European Regional Development Fund. 13 Habitats Directive, and Eel Management Plans provide essential, but often fragmented, information on status and trends. This heterogeneity calls for harmonised transnational monitoring and adaptive management frameworks that can capture the dynamic responses of these species to cumulative pressures and climate change. The current conservation designations are summarized in Table 1, which compiles the status of diadromous species of interest according to IUCN, European Red List, and National Red Lists. Table 1. Conservation status of diadromous species of interest, as per National Red Lists, European Red List and IUCN Red list. In order of concern: Data Defficient (DD), Least Concern (LC) in blue < Near Threatened (NT) in green < Vulnerable (VU) in yellow< Endangered (EN) in orange < Critically Endangered (CR) in red. Sources: IUCN (2023), European Red List of Freshwater Fishes (2022), National Red Lists of Portugal (ICNF, 2023), Spain (MITECO, 2022), France (INPN, 2023), Ireland (NPWS, 2022). Portugal Spain France Ireland Europe (European Red List) Global status (IUCN Red List) Alosa alosa VU EN VU NT VU VU Alosa falax NT VU NT NT NT VU Anguilla anguilla CR CR CR CR CR CR Petromyzon marinus NT LC LC LC LC LC Salmo salar EN VU NT NT LC NT This project is co-financed by the Interreg Atlantic Area Programme through the European Regional Development Fund. 14 8 Legislation and management in AA National Contexts The following sections (7.2–7.5) provide a comparative overview of current management systems in Portugal, Spain, France, and Ireland, following a consistent structure that examines national legislation, management practices, key agencies, recreational fishing rules, enforcement mechanisms, and the main challenges each country faces. This approach highlights both shared priorities and country-specific differences, offering insight into how EU-level requirements are translated into national policy and onthe-ground action for the conservation of diadromous fish species. 8.1 Portugal 8.1.1 Legislation National Legislation: • National Fisheries Law: Regulates fishing activities, including closure seasons, size limits, and gear restrictions, to ensure sustainable management. • National Fishing in Inland Waters law: Regulates fisheries in inland waters, under the Nature Conservation and Forests Institute - Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas- (ICNF) jurisdiction (e.g. Decree Law No. 112/2017; Law nº 7/2008, modified by Decree Law No. 221/2015 1.st Series and Decree Law No. 97/2021 - 1.st Series). • Decree Law No 73/2020: Regulates the exercise of commercial maritime fishing and establishes the legal regime applicable to the authorisation, registration and licensing of ships or vessels used in this activity. • Protected Areas Designation: Some sections of critical rivers and estuaries for diadromous belong to protected areas, and international (upstream) sections are included in Portugal's Natura 2000 network, ensuring additional protections. • Portuguese Nature Restoration Law: National transposition of EU Nature Restoration Regulation. Regional and Local Regulations: • Besides the general legislation applicable at sea and the one applied in inland waters, each river basin and coastal system has specific legislation regulating fishing areas, closures, licensing, gear regulation and other aspects of fishing activities. • International river basins such as the Guadiana and Minho basins have specific regulations tailored to the status of local fish populations. 8.1.2 Management Practices 1. Habitat Restoration: • Dam removal and fish passages: Efforts to remove barriers or install fish passes in rivers (Mondego, Vouga and Lima) to facilitate migration. • Spawning ground restoration: Projects to rehabilitate gravel beds and improve water quality in critical habitats. • Water quality improvement measures: Including water treatment plants construction and riverbed rehabilitation of highly polluted areas. 2. Fishing Regulations: This project is co-financed by the Interreg Atlantic Area Programme through the European Regional Development Fund. 15 1. Shads (Alosa alosa and Alosa fallax) • Legislation: Allis and twaite shad are listed in Habitats Directive and Bern Convention (Decree-Law nº 140/99, of April 24th, as amended by Decree-Law nº 49/05, of February 24th, annexes B-II and B-V, transposition of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC, of May 21st 1992; Decree-Law nº 316/89 of 22 September, transposition into national legislation of the Convention of Bern, Annex III). Both species are targeted by professional fishers in several river basins in Portugal under the Directorate-General for Natural Resources, Safety and Maritime Services -Direção-Geral de Recursos Naturais, Segurança e Serviços Marítimos- (DGRM) and Institute for ICNF jurisdiction. Besides the general fisheries policy, each system has its specific regulation which determines seasonal closures, minimum size limits, gear, license and spatial restrictions. • Catch Limit: • Seasonal closures: Fishing is typically restricted to a short period during spawning migrations, which occur in late winter and spring. The duration and start of the fishing season are established annually and according to the river basin and is previously defined in a co-management committee with fishers, fisheries administration (ICNF and DGRM), authorities (maritime police, national republican guardnature and environment protection, and coastal and border control services (Guarda Nacional Republicana-Serviço de Protecção da Natureza e do Ambiente (GNR-SEPNA) and Guarda Nacional Republicana-Unidade de Controlo Costeiro e de Fronteiras (GNRUCC)), Public security police (Polícia de Segurança Pública (PSP))) and scientific advisors prior to the start of the fishing season. • Minimum size limits: These vary but are often set at around 30–35 cm, depending on regional regulations. • Gear restrictions: Only specific, regulated gear types, with determined minimum mesh size, are allowed to minimize bycatch and juvenile mortality. Gear type legislation may vary according to the river system. • License restrictions: A specific license is needed to harvest these species in inland waters. License attribution is limited according to the fishing area. • Spatial restrictions: Professional inland fisheries targeting these species operate in determined river/estuary sections, with restrictions (for example regarding proximity to weirs and dams). Shads are not a target fishery in Portuguese maritime waters and are therefore subject to bycatch limits (30% of catch). This project is co-financed by the Interreg Atlantic Area Programme through the European Regional Development Fund. 16 2. European Eel ( Anguilla anguilla): Figure 2. European eel, Anguila anguila. • Legislation: Portugal has an Eel Management Plan – Plano de Gestão da Enguia - that includes all national territory, and a transboundary Eel Management Plan in River Minho (Plano de Gestão da Enguia no Troço Internacional do Rio Minho). In inland waters, a special eel fishing license is mandatory (Portaria No 385-A/2017). The National Eel Management Plan byelaws implement the EU Eel Regulation with the following measures: Glass eels (juveniles): Forbidden in all national territory, under Regulatory Decree No 7/2000 (excluding the international part of the River Minho, where eel fishery was banned separately in 2011 by Edital No 32/2011). • In River Minho, under Eel Management Plan in River Minho, 100 fishing permits are given under certain conditions: • Quotas: Each fisher can catch 2 kilograms per night, during the new moon. • Fishing season: Limited to the new moon periods (the period between the third and the first lunar quarter) during the migration period (e.g., November to March). • Gear restrictions: Specific gear such as “tela" when fishing by boat, or "peneira” when fishing from the riverbank. Yellow/silver eels (adults): • A three-month fishing closure is mandated annually in all national territory, covering the peak of downstream spawning migration period between October and December. There are additional specific legislations in the professional fisheries zone of Santo André Lagoon, where traditional fishing communities are involved in comanagement practices. This project is co-financed by the Interreg Atlantic Area Programme through the European Regional Development Fund. 17 • Size limits: Minimum size for capture is 22 cm (excluding River Minho where yellow or silver eel fishing is forbidden). • Ban on recreational eel fishery in maritime jurisdiction (Portaria No 14/2014) and in freshwater jurisdiction (Portaria No 108/2018). • Eel fishing has been banned in the international section of the River Minho since 2011 (Edital no. 32/2011). 3. Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) • Legislation: Petromyzon marinus is listed in Annex II of the European Union Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), which lists animal and plant species of interest to the European Community whose conservation requires the designation of SACs by member states. Sea lamprey is also listed in the OSPAR convention list (Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the NorthEast Atlantic) of threatened and/or declining species, and their European populations are protected by Annex B-II of the European Habitats Directive and Annex III of the Bern Convention. • Catch limits: • Seasonal restrictions: Fishing is restricted to a short period during the main migration periods (late winter to spring). The duration and start of the fishing season are established annually and according to the river basin. Restrictions are determined in a co-management committee with fishers, fisheries administration, authorities and scientific advisors prior to the start of the fishing season. • Spatial restrictions: Demarcation of areas in the river where fishing is prohibited. • Gear restrictions: Traditional methods such as nets and traps are regulated to ensure sustainability (e.g., a maximum height and length of the nets; harpoon-like gear (‘galheiro’ and ‘bicheiro’) only permitted to be used as a fishing aid; fishing weir (‘pesqueira’ or “botirão” according to regions) properly licensed and identified; specific width of the net meshes; maximum number of nets). • Quotas: Some local regulations impose annual or seasonal quotas for commercial fishers (e.g., limited number of catches per day; fixed minimum size of individuals). • License restriction: A specific license is needed to harvest this species in inland waters. Number of licenses is limited. This project is co-financed by the Interreg Atlantic Area Programme through the European Regional Development Fund. 18 Figure 3. Traditional sea lamprey fishing traps (“botirão”) in River Mondego. 4. Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) • Legislation: For in-river waters, salmon fisheries are regulated Law No 112/2017 of 6th of December which prohibits fishing in River Lima, obligating catch and release. Regulation No 8 2008 of 9th of April regulates recreational and commercial fishing for the Minho River International Section, setting bans, size limits, gear authorizations and licensing. For coastal and estuarine waters, professional and recreational salmon fisheries are regulated by Regulation No 43/87 of 17th of July (altered by Regulation No 7/2000 of 30th of May), and Ordinance No 561/90 of 19thof July (altered by Ordinance No 1220/2010 of 3rd of December) for rivers Minho and Lima respectively. These regulate the fisheries through gear permissions, fishing bans and areas of permission and licenses. • Catch limits: • Prohibition of commercial fishing: In Portugal, salmon fishing is primarily for recreational purposes and is heavily regulated. Commercial fisheries are only allowed in the international section of Minho River basin. In Minho, commercial fisheries are only allowed in April-May, and recreational fisheries between March and June. • Seasonal restrictions: Seasonal closures during spawning migrations (usually October to February) and minimum size limits of 55 cm (in Minho River). • Bag limits: Commercial fisheries have no catch limit, but recreational fishers are only allowed to catch 1 fish per day/boat. This project is co-financed by the Interreg Atlantic Area Programme through the European Regional Development Fund. 19 • Protected areas: In Portugal, River Minho is the only place where salmon fisheries are allowed, although, even in Minho River basin, the Minho tributaries have complete bans to protect spawning stocks. 3. Stocking and Restocking Programs: • Artificial propagation of Atlantic salmon and restocking efforts in rivers with declining populations, such as the Minho River, but without any following monitoring program. • Translocation of lampreys caught by fishers to spawning grounds has been experimentally conducted in Lima River in 2023 (fisher initiative). Similar pilot actions have been carried out in March and April 2025 in Mondego and Douro River. In the Mondego basin, the initiative was led by local municipalities. • Experimental eel restocking was carried out in the Mondego basin. Impact monitoring of the restocking was conducted. 4. Monitoring and Stock Assessment: • Annual population assessments are conducted by the Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), regional authorities and research institutes/universities (e.g. MARE/University of Évora, MARE/FCUL and CIEMAR in the case of the eel). • Scientific surveys and monitoring include studies using tagging and telemetry to track migration routes and assess the impact of management measures (e.g., fish pass construction or retrofitting), fishers' surveys, electrofishing campaigns, net and trap deployment, visual counts at fish passes, genetic studies, among other methods. For eels, there are also parasitological and population structure analyses, and analyses of impact of fisheries management measures. • Scientific projects aiming at habitat restoration, monitoring and fishers' engagement have been increasing the available knowledge on these species and improving their conservation and management. Examples: Habitat restoration for diadromous fish in River Mondego (2013-15); An@dromos (2018-2021); DiaDES (2019-2022); DiadSea (2023-2026); LifeAgueda (2017-2022); Migramiño-minho (2014-2020); Pelsa (2016); Sudoang (2018-2021). • Eel Management Plan: A monitoring programme under the DCF has been in place since 2017, collecting data on the eel population for each EMU to estimate production and silver eel escapement. 5. Community Engagement: • Traditional fishing communities are involved in co-management practices, particularly for species like shad, lamprey and eel, where local knowledge is used to inform sustainable practices. • Awareness campaigns to promote the conservation of diadromous fishes with different stakeholders and at schools. 8.1.3 Key Agencies and Organizations • Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA): Leads research and monitoring efforts for diadromous species. • Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF): Oversees the management of protected areas and enforcement of biodiversity laws. • Directorate-General for Natural Resources, Safety and Maritime Services (DGRM): Develops This project is co-financed by the Interreg Atlantic Area Programme through the European Regional Development Fund. 20 maritime safety and services, including the maritime-port sector, implements policies on fisheries, aquaculture, the processing industry and related activities, the preservation and knowledge of marine resources, ensuring the regulation and control of activities in these areas. • Local Enforcement Authorities: Implement and enforce regional regulations, often in collaboration with traditional fishers (e.g., GNR-SEPNA, Maritime Police, GNR-UCC, PSP). • DOCAPESCA: Registers landings as the port authority. • Local fishers’ associations: Represent fishers’ interests to the competent authorities and policy makers. • Research institutions and NGOs: Conduct monitoring, advocacy, divulgation and restoration projects. Figure 4. Scientific monitoring of diadromous fish species. On the picture to the left, acoustic telemetry is used to track trout. On the right, shad is weighed and measured. 8.1.4 Other Considerations • Recreational fishing: Requires a license, is restricted to specific areas, and is subject to stricter limits, including daily bag limits and seasonal closures. Each recreational fisher must register their catches through a notebook system. • Protected areas: Diadromous fish in rivers designated as protected or part of Natura 2000 sites may have stricter regulations or complete bans on fishing. But no protected areas devoted to diadromous fish protection are in place. • Reporting requirements: Fishers are often required to report catches, particularly for European eel, to improve stock assessments. Failure to comply makes fisher ineligible to reapply for a fishing license the following year. 8.1.5 Monitoring and Enforcement • Managed by DGRM on maritime waters and the Portuguese ICNF in inland waters. • Compliance is monitored through patrols and inspections by local authorities such as Maritime Police and National Republican Guard (GNR-SEPNA and GNR-UCC), and other This project is co-financed by the Interreg Atlantic Area Programme through the European Regional Development Fund. 21 control forces such as PSP and Portuguese Food and Economic Safety Authority (Autoridade de Segurança Alimentar e Económica), especially for illegal trade of glass eels. • Penalties for exceeding limits or fishing during prohibited periods include fines and confiscation of equipment and catch. 8.1.6 Challenges • Hydropower infrastructure: o Dams and water diversions on major rivers like Minho, Lima, Douro, Vouga, Mondego, Tagus and Guadiana disrupt migratory routes, requiring continued investment in fish passage solutions and the definition of ecological flows taking into consideration diadromous species requirements. • Illegal fishing: o High-value species like glass eels, but also sea-lamprey and allis shad, are subject to poaching, impacting management and stock recovery efforts. • Pollution and habitat degradation: o Agricultural runoff, industrial discharges, and urbanization negatively affect water quality and habitats. For example, the Tagus River is being particularly impacted by pollution magnified by the reduction in flow associated with the Tejo-Segura water diversions and the reduction in rainfall due to climate change. • Climate change: o Reduced river flows and increasing water temperatures threaten migration patterns and spawning success. In addition, in the case of eel, prolonged droughts contribute to habitat reduction by increasing competition for space and food, which can lead to poor physical condition of individuals and ultimately increased mortality. Increasing natural mortality may also occur at sea. • Invasive species: o Introduction of piscivorous non-native fish such as the European catfish (Silurus glanis) in some river basins such as the Tagus, combined with rapid population growth, can lead to additional pressure on the species they feed on such as the sea lamprey, allis shad and European eel. In addition, other species such as the red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), may also contribute to the disturbance of the European eel during the settlement period by occupying similar habitats and competing for space, and the introduction of the parasitic nematode A. crassus -that acts synergistically with pollutionhas a major influence in reducing the quality of the migratory specimens. Portugal’s management of diadromous fishes integrates scientific research, regulatory measures, and habitat restoration to address ecological and socio-economic challenges. Collaboration between governmental agencies, universities, politicians, local communities, and international frameworks is essential for the sustainable management and conservation of these vital species. Catch limits and regulations are reviewed each year and adjusted based on stock assessments and conservation needs, ensuring the sustainability of these ecologically and economically valuable species. This project is co-financed by the Interreg Atlantic Area Programme through the European Regional Development Fund. 22 8.2 Spain Diadromous fishes in Spain, such as shads (Alosa alosa and Alosa fallax), European eel (Anguilla anguilla), sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus), and Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) are managed through national legislation, regional regulations, and European Union directives. The goal is to balance conservation with sustainable use, especially given the ecological and economic significance of these species. 8.2.1 Legislation National Legislation: • Spanish Fishing Law (Ley 42/2007): Establishes the framework for managing fishing activities and protecting biodiversity. • National Eel Management Plan: Implements the EU Eel Regulation, setting specific measures such as fishing quotas, closed seasons, and habitat restoration efforts. Regional Regulations • Autonomous communities, such as Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, Navarra and the Basque Country, have additional regulations tailored to local river basins and species populations. Protected Areas: • Many rivers with critical habitats for diadromous species are included in Spain’s Natura 2000 network, providing additional legal protections. 8.2.2 Management Practices 1. Habitat Restoration: • Removal or modification of barriers (e.g., dams) to facilitate migration. For example, the Miño and Ulla Rivers have seen efforts to improve migratory pathways. • Construction of fish ladders and bypass channels to assist species like salmon and eels. • Restoration of degraded spawning and nursery habitats in rivers and estuaries. 2. Fishing Regulations: 1. Shads (Alosa alosa and Alosa fallax) • Commercial and recreational fishing: o There is no commercial fishery for these species in Spain. o Recreational fishing is only allowed for A. fallax and only in the River Ulla (Galicia). o Bag limits: Typically, 5 fish per angler per day. o Minimum size: Set at 30 cm. o Seasonal closures: Fishing is prohibited during spawning migrations (it is only allowed in May and June). o Regional quotas: Some autonomous communities enforce annual or seasonal quotas for shad fishing. This project is co-financed by the Interreg Atlantic Area Programme through the European Regional Development Fund. 29 considered unsustainable), Brittany and Normandy. • Recreational Fishing: o Quotas: in Artois-Picardie, Normandy and Britanny. o Bag limits: Typically, a maximum of 1–2 salmon per day per angler, with a seasonal limit of 10–12 fish, depending on the river. o Minimum size: Often set at 50 cm, varying slightly by region. o Closed seasons: Fishing is prohibited during spawning migrations, typically from late autumn to early spring. o Catch-and-release: Mandatory in some rivers where stocks are critically low. 5. Monitoring and Research: o Long-term monitoring by migratory associations, in terms of counting and monitoring of spawning and migrations (radio tracking, tagging) and population modeling. The results of the studies are then mobilised by state services or other research teams such as Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement (INRAE) or Office français de la biodiversité (OFB). o Specific regional structure (mainly associations) to monitor diadromous fish. o Dedicated research unit gathering 4 research institutes (“Pôle Migrateurs Amphihalins dans leur Environnement (MIAME)”). 6. Stakeholder Collaboration: o Engagement with local communities, fishers, and NGOs to promote sustainable fishing practices and compliance with regulations mainly through regional COGEPOMIs or under the umbrella of the national diadromous fish management plan (PNMA). 8.3.3 Key Agencies and Organizations • Regional migratory associations: Manage dashboards and observatory of migratory fish. Responsible for diadromous fish population monitoring. Collected data is then shared with: • National Agency for Biodiversity (OFB): Leads conservation, enforcement, and research efforts for aquatic species. • Water basin committees: Develop and implement regional management plans. 8.3.4 Enforcement • Managed by the OFB and local river authorities. • Compliance is monitored through patrols, inspections, and the use of electronic reporting systems for commercial fishers. • Violations, such as exceeding quotas or fishing in prohibited areas, result in fines, license suspensions, or equipment confiscation. 8.3.5 Challenges • Hydropower Infrastructure: Dams and water abstraction disrupt migratory pathways, requiring ongoing investments in mitigation. • Illegal Fishing: Poaching of high-value species like glass eels remains a persistent issue. • Overfishing • Climate Change: Shifts in river flow and temperature impact migratory behaviors and spawning success. This project is co-financed by the Interreg Atlantic Area Programme through the European Regional Development Fund. 30 • Pollution: Agricultural runoff and industrial discharges degrade critical freshwater habitats. • Habitat removal • Invasive species France employs a multi-tiered approach to manage diadromous fishes, combining habitat restoration, regulation of fisheries, and active stakeholder engagement to ensure these iconic species thrive amidst environmental challenges. Catch limits for some diadromous fishes in France are established through national legislation and regional management plans, guided by EU directives and scientific assessments. Catch limits and regulations in France are continually adjusted based on annual stock assessments, ensuring they align with conservation goals and the EU's sustainability directives. 8.4 Ireland Diadromous fishes in Ireland, including the shads (Alosa spp.), European eel (Anguilla anguilla), Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), and sea trout (Salmo trutta) are ecologically, culturally, and economically significant. Their management is shaped by EU directives, national legislation, and localised conservation measures, all aimed at balancing sustainable use with species recovery. 8.4.1 Legislation National Legislation: • 1959 Fisheries Acts: Various statutes and byelaws, including the Inland Fisheries Acts, governing fishing activities, gear restrictions, and licensing requirements. • Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme: Regulates recreational and commercial catches of salmon and sea trout through quotas and mandatory tagging. • Conservation of Eel byelaws: Enforce measures such as fishing bans and catch and release for recreational fishers (Conservation of Eel Fishing Bye-Law No. C.S 335, 2024). • Electricity Supply Board (ESB) fishing requirements: ESB controls the fishing rights of the entire River Shannon under the Shannon Fisheries Act (1935). The River Shannon fisheries are managed in co-operation with: Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), the relevant government department and the Marine Institute. The River Liffey is protected under the Liffey Reservoir act 1936. Specific River Management Plans: • ESB fisheries management: Since the 1920s ESB has had a statutory responsibility to manage and preserve fisheries throughout certain river catchments, like the Shannon, Liffey, Lee and Erne. These river systems have tailored management plans that address the unique challenges faced by local diadromous populations because of hydroelectric dam construction. The role of maintenance and preservation of these fisheries is undertaken by ESB Fisheries Conservation. List of management legislation: Shannon Fisheries Act (1935), The Liffey Reservoir act (1936), S.I. No. 86/1945 - River Erne HydroElectric Scheme Approval Order, 1945, S.I. No. 321/1949 - River Lee Hydro-Electric Scheme Approval Order, 1949. 8.4.2 Management Practices 1. Habitat Restoration: This project is co-financed by the Interreg Atlantic Area Programme through the European Regional Development Fund. 31 • Removal or mitigation of barriers to migration (e.g., fish passes on dams and weirs). • Restoration of spawning and nursery habitats in rivers and estuaries. 2. Monitoring and Stock Assessments: • Scientific monitoring programs track fish populations, migration patterns, and spawning success. • Tagging schemes for salmon and trout provide valuable data on stock status. • Eel Management Plan – monitoring objectives outlined and requirement to carry out stock assessment of production and escapement. 3. Fishing Restrictions: 1. Shads (Alosa alosa and Alosa fallax) • Conservation status: Twaite shad: ‘Bad’ in Ireland under article 17 of the Habitats Directive (2019), Red list status of ‘Vulnerable’ for Ireland (2011), Global IUCN status of ‘Least Concern’ (2022). Allis Shad: considered a ‘vagrant’ in Ireland under the Habitats Directive, Red list status of ‘data deficient’ for Ireland (2011), Global IUCN status of ‘Critically Endangered’ (2022). • Catch prohibitions: There is no commercial fishery for shad. Recreational fishing is carried out for shad during their freshwater spawning run in spring. Catch and Release angling is encouraged along with the use of barbless hooks. IFI promotes the safe handling of shad annually with the distribution of educational brochures and on-site communication with anglers. • Bycatch regulations: Any incidental catch must be immediately released unharmed. 2. European Eel ( Anguilla anguilla) • Current status: • A nationwide ban on eel fishing (both commercial and recreational) has been in place since 2009 under the EU Eel Regulation (1100/2007) and Ireland’s Eel Management Plans. • Exceptions are made for scientific research and conservation efforts, such as trapandtransport programs around barriers. • Conservation status: Red list status of ‘Critically Endangered’ for Ireland (2011), Global IUCN status of ‘Critically Endangered’ (2018). • Conservation measures: Focus on habitat restoration, migration assistance around barriers (both upstream and downstream). 3. Sea Lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) • Conservation status: ‘Unfavorable’ in Ireland under article 17 of the Habitats Directive (2019), Red list status of ‘Near threatened’ (2011), Global IUCN status of ‘Least Concern’ (2022). • No targeted fisheries: There never was a commercial fishery for sea lamprey in Ireland. Sea lampreys are primarily protected under the Habitats Directive. • Incidental Catch: Relating to Ireland, no specific prohibitions or guidelines relating to the bycatch of lamprey at sea exist. This project is co-financed by the Interreg Atlantic Area Programme through the European Regional Development Fund. 32 4. Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) and Sea Trout (Salmo trutta) Figure 9. Salmon, Salmo salar. • Conservation status: Salmon: ‘Inadequate’ in Ireland under article 17 of the Habitats Directive (2019), Red list status of ‘Vulnerable’ for Ireland (2011), Global IUCN status of ‘Near Threatened’ (2022). Sea Trout: Red list status of ‘Least Concern’ (2011), Global IUCN status of ‘Least Concern’ (2022). • Introduced in 2001 to manage stocks sustainably. • Applies to both recreational and commercial fisheries. • Key provisions: • Quota system: Annual catch quotas are set for specific rivers or river groups based on stock status. o Rivers are classified as "open," "catch-and-release," or "closed" depending on their conservation status. • Bag limits in open rivers: o Where stocks are above the conservation limit (CL) and deemed ‘sustainable for harvest’, a maximum of 10 salmon or sea trout over 40 cm per angler per season. These are tagged with a ‘Blue’ carcass tag. o Where stocks are just at the CL or slightly above, brown’ carcass tags are issued in limited numbers to anglers. This ensures that harvest will not exceed the sustainable quota. o Daily bag limits vary throughout the season: o 3 fish per day from January to May. o 1 fish per day from June to September. o Catch-and-release only in certain periods. • Catch-and-release rivers: Anglers must release all salmon and sea trout, often requiring the use of barbless hooks to minimize harm. • Tagging: Within the scope of “Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme”, each This project is co-financed by the Interreg Atlantic Area Programme through the European Regional Development Fund. 33 legally retained fish must be tagged as detailed above, the fish and capture details are recorded into a logbook. • Commercial fisheries: Subject to stricter quotas and gear restrictions, with many rivers entirely close to commercial exploitation. ‘Green’ tags are used for draft net caught fish, white’ tags for snap net caught fish and ‘orange’ tags for other commercially caught or scientifically ranched fish. 4. Licensing and Quotas: o All salmon and sea trout fishing requires a license, with quotas enforced through tagging and reporting systems. 5. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): o Coastal and estuarine areas critical for diadromous species are part of the MPA network, providing additional protection. Currently, 1 designation (Lough Hyne) but more proposed under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). Ireland currently has 8.1% of its marine waters as MPAs in the form of SACs and SPAs, the aim of the government is to achieve 30% Marine Protected Area coverage of Irelands Maritime Area by 2030. 6. Public Engagement: o Education campaigns and collaboration with local communities and fishers are integral to ensuring compliance with regulations. o Stakeholders: Forums exist to give stakeholders a voice in discussing fishing issues across Ireland (e.g. National Inland Fisheries Forum). 8.4.3 Key Agencies and Organizations • Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI): Leads the management, conservation, and protection of diadromous fish populations. • Marine Institute: Conducts research on migratory fish and marine ecosystems. • Sea Fisheries Protection Authority: The Sea Fisheries Protection Authority is the independent statutory body responsible for the regulation of the sea fisheries and the seafood production sectors. They promote compliance with the EU CFP, sea-fisheries law and food safety law relating to fish and fish products, verify compliance and, where necessary, enforce it. • National Parks and Wildlife Service: Oversees habitat conservation efforts under the Habitats Directive. • ESB: Have the statutory responsibility of managing, conducting and preserving the fisheries throughout the Shannon, Erne, Lee and Liffey catchments • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Runs a ‘National rivers monitoring programme’, this programme includes SACs for diadromous fish. The EPA undertakes sampling for biological, physical and chemical parameters 8.4.4 Recreational Fishing Regulations • Licenses: Required for all salmon and sea trout fishing, with strict adherence to quotas and catch-and-release rules where applicable. • Gear restrictions: o Use of single, barbless hooks in catch-and-release waters. o No use of nets or traps for recreational purposes. 8.4.5 Enforcement and Monitoring • Managed by IFI, which conducts patrols, monitors catches, and ensures compliance with This project is co-financed by the Interreg Atlantic Area Programme through the European Regional Development Fund. 34 quotas and tagging requirements. • Penalties for violations include fines, equipment confiscation, and potential legal action. 8.4.6 Challenges • Hydropower infrastructure: Dams on rivers like the Shannon, Erne Lee, Liffey and others disrupt migration routes for salmon and eels, requiring costly mitigation measures. • Illegal, unreported fishing: Poaching remains a significant threat, particularly for salmon and sea trout. • Climate change: Alters River flows and water temperatures, affecting migration and spawning. • Pollution and water quality: Agricultural runoff and urban development degrade water quality in key habitats. • Water abstraction: New legislation introduced in 2024 to help regulate and manage abstraction nationally (S.I. No. 419/2024 - Water Environment (Abstractions and Associated Impoundments) Regulations 2024). However, Illegal water abstraction a big problem in Ireland. • Invasive species: Multiple invasive species pose a threat to Irish diadromous fish stocks: dace, roach, chub, Asian clam, zebra mussels • Barriers to migration: Barriers are a big problem for diadromous fish populations In Ireland: impassable structures, river fragmentation and alterations to natural hydrological processes are an ongoing challenge • Arterial drainage works: Drainage works and the maintenance of such works on many rivers across Ireland have affected the natural hydrological and hydro morphological processes of these systems. These works can reduce the natural processes which occur in these river systems therefore reducing suitable habitat for many fish species. Ireland’s approach to diadromous fish management emphasizes conservation-driven policies, adaptive management, and community involvement to safeguard these species for future generations. Catch limits for diadromous fishes in Ireland are governed by national regulations, informed by EU directives, scientific assessments, and conservation priorities. These limits aim to balance sustainable use with the recovery of vulnerable populations. Catch limits in Ireland are highly adaptive, with annual reviews based on scientific assessments to ensure the long-term sustainability of diadromous fish populations. This project is co-financed by the Interreg Atlantic Area Programme through the European Regional Development Fund. 35 9 Conclusion The management of diadromous fish across the Atlantic Area reveals both shared challenges and important regional differences, shaped by ecological conditions, socio-economic contexts, and administrative structures. Despite operating under a common European legislative framework— including the Water Framework Directive, Habitats Directive, Marine Strategy Framework Directive, Common Fisheries Policy and the Eel Regulation—Portugal, Spain, France and Ireland apply these requirements through diverse national and local approaches. Across all four countries, diadromous fish populations face mounting pressures from habitat fragmentation, hydropower development, pollution, invasive species, climate change and illegal or unsustainable fishing. These pressures collectively threaten the ecological, cultural and economic values these species provide, reinforcing the urgent need for effective, coordinated and adaptive management. Although the degree of extractive use varies—being more restrictive in France and Ireland and more permissive for traditional fisheries in Spain and Portugal—common trends are emerging. All countries are increasingly adopting habitat-centered, science-based strategies, including barrier removal, fish passage improvement, stock monitoring, enforcement of fishing regulations, and community engagement. Strengthened cooperation between government agencies, scientific institutions, local stakeholders and international bodies continues to be fundamental. Given the transboundary nature of diadromous species, their long-term conservation cannot be achieved through isolated national measures alone. Instead, sustained collaboration at local, regional, national and international levels is essential to ensure coherent management across river basins and marine areas. The convergence toward more integrated and precautionary approaches observed across the Atlantic Area represents a promising pathway for reversing population declines, improving ecological connectivity and securing the future of diadromous fish populations and the ecosystem services they underpin.