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Open season for raor fishing declared in Mallorca
The start of the raor fishing season began on 1st September, to the delight of amateur and professional fisherman alike. The ‘raor' is a prized Mediterranean fish, one of the most expensive on the market. It is something of a delicacy in Mallorca where it is valued for its tasty, delicate white flesh.
The seasonal ban, which runs from April until the end of August, was introduced in 2000 to protect the species as numbers dwindled. Strict rules limit the quantity that can be fished each day during the open season - 50 is the maximum per fisherman and the catch should not exceed five kilos. Fines of up to 30,000 euros can result if the rules are flouted.
The raor is not exclusive to the Mediterranean although it is here that many of the largest shoals are found. It is generally small in size, between 15 and 20 centimetres long, and is fished on sandy sea beds at depths of between two and 50 metres, using traditional methods.
