The Government of Catalonia, through the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food, has launched the guide "From Sea to Solidarity Table. Guide for the utilization of catches from recreational maritime fishing competitions". This initiative aims to establish a reference framework to guarantee food safety, traceability, and the proper management of fish donations from recreational fishing competitions to social entities that assist vulnerable individuals.
The guide responds to a shared demand from fishermen, clubs, federations, social entities, and administrations, and seeks to prevent food waste by giving a second chance to a quality food resource. Recreational maritime fishing in Catalonia has nearly 50,000 practitioners and a strong sporting tradition linked to fishing competitions.
The document offers practical guidance on planning, handling, conservation, transport, and traceability of fish, as well as collaboration agreement templates. The goal is for the catches, which can amount to several thousand kilos annually, to reach social canteens and food banks in optimal conditions for consumption, contributing to the objectives of the 2030 Agenda.
This initiative has involved the collaboration of the Catalan Food Safety Agency, the Department of Social Rights and Inclusion, and the federations of the recreational fishing sector. The department thus reinforces its commitment to the utilization of fishing resources, waste prevention, and food solidarity.
