PALMA, 28 (EUROPA PRESS)
The Balearic Government has approved the decree that regulates the fishermen's guilds and their federations in the Balearic Islands and, in addition, simplifies the diving regulations.
As the Government's spokesperson, Antoni Costa, pointed out at the press conference following the Government Council meeting, the new regulation updates a legal framework that has been in effect for more than 30 years and adapts the organization and functioning of these bodies to the new challenges facing the sector.
The decree regulating the fishermen's guilds and their federations was approved in 1995. However, as the Government has explained, the passage of time—especially technological and administrative changes—has made certain aspects of this legislation obsolete.
The new decree therefore aims to address the issues that arise in the daily operation of the associations, especially regarding administrative simplification and e-government.
At the same time, the regulation establishes a sufficient legal framework to allow the confrarias to face the changes occurring in the fishing sector, especially with regard to their organizational structure and internal operations, while always respecting the principles of legality, equality, accounting transparency, and internal democracy.
These principles are the pillars that allow the fishermen's associations to continue operating as sound and competitive organizations, the Government has emphasized.
The overall and fundamental objective of the new legislation is to develop the structure of the archipelago's 16 fishermen's guilds and their federation, making them more functional and adapting them to modern times.
It also aims to promote the integration of innovative measures through collaboration between professional associations and scientific bodies.
SIMPLIFICATION OF DIVING REGULATIONS
The new decree amends three regulations related to diving, in all cases with the goal of streamlining bureaucracy and promoting business activity.
The Regional Government has argued that diving, in all its forms, is an important maritime activity in the Islands. Basic safety regulations are the responsibility of the State, while the Regional Government has regulatory powers in this area.
On the one hand, and based on experience in managing the various types of diving, Decree 55/2020 of December 19, which regulates professional, extractive, scientific, and public service diving in maritime and inland waters, aims to eliminate unnecessary procedures and facilitate scientific activity.
Additionally, Decree 14/2014 is amended, of March 14, which establishes the general principles governing recreational diving in the autonomous community, with the aim of simplifying procedures, promoting the use of sworn statements, adapting the regulations to Royal Decree 550/2020, and facilitating the economic activity of diving centers.
Finally, specific aspects of Annex 3 of Decree 26/2025, of July 4, establishing the Marine Reserve of the Ponent Islands of Mallorca, El Toro, Les Malgrats, and El Sec, are amended with the aim of simplifying recreational diving activities on the island of El Toro.
