A SPRFMO Q&A with Conxemar

28 juillet 2026

^{Source: Wikimedia Commons.}

1. What is Conxemar and why did it decide to attend SPRFMO?

Conxemar is the Spanish Association of Wholesalers, Importers, Processors and Exporters of Fishery and Aquaculture Products. It represents an important part of the seafood value chain in Spain and Europe, especially in processing and trade.

Our work is closely linked to the monitoring of fisheries, trade and regulatory policies that affect the supply of raw materials, the sustainability of resources and the competitiveness of the European processing industry.

Conxemar decided to attend the annual Commission meeting of the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (SPRFMO), held in Panama City, March 2-6, 2026, because the decisions taken in this organization have a direct impact on a strategic species for our industry: jumbo flying squid. For many Spanish and European companies, jumbo flying squid is an essential natural resource. It is used in many formats and processed products, and it has a very important presence in the Spanish market.

For this reason, we considered it important for the seafood value chain to be present in international discussions on the management of this fishery. The sustainability of the resource is fundamental, but so are stable supply, legal certainty and the need for decisions to take into account the impact on producers, processors, traders and consumers.

2. Why is squid an important species for Conxemar, Spain and Europe?

Jumbo flying squid is a key species for the Spanish processing industry. Spain is one of the main European markets for this product, and many Conxemar member companies depend on a stable, legal and sustainable supply of this natural resource.

Its importance is not limited to imports. Jumbo flying squid creates in both Spain and around the world industrial activity, employment, added value and an accessible source of marine protein for consumers. It is part of a broad value chain that includes international operators, importers, processing plants, distributors, retail and food service.

At European level, it is also a relevant species because it helps diversify the seafood supply. In a context where Europe depends heavily on seafood imports, ensuring the sustainable management of jumbo flying squid is important both for the conservation of the resource and for food security and the competitiveness of the industry.

3. What was Conxemar’s experience at SPRFMO like? What did we learn?

The experience was very positive and useful. It allowed us to better understand how SPRFMO works, how the positions of the different delegations are developed, and how negotiations really take place inside a regional fisheries management organization.

One of the main lessons was that informal conversations, bilateral meetings and side discussions are often as important as the formal sessions. These spaces make it possible to better explain the concerns of the industry, provide context and understand the priorities of each delegation or observer.

We also saw that the position defended by a delegation in a RFMO does not always fully reflect the needs of all the actors in its own country or market. That is why it is important for stakeholders, including members of the seafood supply chain, to participate directly when possible, in order to bring a complementary view and explain how management decisions affect supply chains, processing and the market.

During the meeting, we had the opportunity to speak with different delegations and observers, including The Pew Charitable Trusts and CALAMASUR. With them, we shared the concern about the need to move towards stronger, science-based and precautionary management of jumbo flying squid. These contacts were very useful to identify areas of cooperation and to better understand how Conxemar can add value in future meetings.

4. What were the main results of the meeting?

The meeting brought important progress, although it is still not enough to ensure fully effective management of jumbo flying squid.

On squid management, members adopted amendments to the conservation and management measure for this fishery. The decision reduces the authorized fishing effort limits by 15%, both in terms of fleet size and tonnage.

This is a positive step because it shows a willingness to move towards more precautionary management. However, its real impact on fishing pressure may be limited. The reason is that some fleets are not currently using all the capacity they were allowed to use before the amendment. For example, China, which is the main fleet authorized in this fishery, has around 20% fewer vessels operating than it could have under the previous limits. Therefore, a 15% reduction does not necessarily mean a real reduction in actual fishing effort.

The main problem continues to be the lack of sufficient scientific advice on the status of the stock. This lack of information makes it harder to adopt more ambitious measures. Even so, it is important that members agreed to consider new precautionary measures in 2027, even if there is still no conclusive scientific advice from the Scientific Committee.

In addition, a scientific work plan was approved. This includes the development of management strategy evaluation (MSE) and a harvest control rule (HCR) for jumbo flying squid. This is important because it can create the basis for more predictable, data-based and long-term management. The Commission also accepted the recommendation of the independent performance review panel to move towards harvest strategies for all its fisheries. It was also rightly recognized that this approach should not be the same for every species, but should be adapted to the characteristics of each fishery. A working group will now discuss the timing and conditions for implementing these recommendations.

Another relevant result was the adoption of a measure to establish standards for electronic monitoring. SPRFMO has therefore become the first non-tuna RFMO to approve this type of framework. This decision will allow electronic monitoring to be used to meet the new requirements for increased observer coverage in the jumbo flying squid fishery from 2027. It will also help improve the collection of scientific data and compliance control.

5. What is Conxemar’s view on these results?

Conxemar’s view is cautious. The results show a positive direction and open the way towards more structured, science-based and sustainable management of jumbo flying squid, but they are still not enough.

The 15% reduction in effort limits is a political step forward, but it will probably not significantly reduce real fishing pressure. For this reason, it will be essential for SPRFMO to continue moving towards more ambitious measures, based on the precautionary principle and supported by better scientific knowledge. This is also why Conxemar will continue to participate in SPRFMO.

For Conxemar, the sustainable management of jumbo flying squid must be based on three pillars: good science, effective precautionary measures and the participation of the whole value chain.

6. Why will Conxemar continue to engage with SPRFMO?

Conxemar will continue to engage with SPRFMO because the decisions taken in this organization will be very important for the future of jumbo flying squid and for the industry that depends on this species. For this reason, we have already requested Conxemar’s inclusion as an accredited observer in SPRFMO.

Our intention is to continue working before the next Commission meeting in March 2027, especially in three areas: maintaining contact with delegations and observers, cooperating with organizations such as CALAMASUR and Pew, and continuing to bring the perspective of the European processing and trading industry.

We also want to help ensure that the discussion on jumbo flying squid includes not only the fishing dimension, but also the reality of markets, processing, employment and food supply. Sustainable management needs to understand the whole chain.

7. Was it useful to attend SPRFMO? Would Conxemar recommend that other industry members participate?

Our conclusion is that the seafood industry should be more present in these international forums. The decisions taken in regional fisheries management organizations have direct consequences for supply, companies, workers and consumers. For this reason, when possible, it is useful and recommendable for other actors in the value chain to participate as well.

The sustainability of fishery resources is not only a fisheries management issue. It is also a value chain issue, a food security issue, an employment issue and a shared responsibility. For this reason, Conxemar considers that its presence at SPRFMO was valuable and will continue working to provide a constructive, responsible and long-term perspective.

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Pablo Cadarso Rebolledo serves as Deputy Director of Conxemar, the Spanish Association of Wholesalers, Importers, Exporters and Processors of Fishery and Aquaculture Products. A qualified lawyer specialising in Maritime Law, he has professional experience in legal practice and marine insurance. His current areas of expertise include seafood market intelligence, international trade, regulatory affairs and the strategic challenges facing the Spanish and European seafood industry.