Our sea

Palacio de Oriente views the sea as the main natural provider. The fish, aquaculture and shellfish farming constitute our primary sources of supply. It is essential that we respect these marine resources, strictly regulating activities to prevent over-fishing which would endanger future resources.

Measures already developed have taken into consideration production, marketplace and the natural habitat of each of the different species in order to control catches, avoid over-fishing and assure future resources.

Regulatory of the sizes and age of the first catch:

Measures governing the biology of the species have been imposed. These measures regulate growth, distribution of different groups of the species according to age, size of fish at sexual maturity and the spawning season.

These Measures in more detail:

Regulation of the fish size and of the first catch

Establishing a minimum size: This is one of the older systems in place which determines the sexual maturity of the fish. We are all responsible its future survival and so Palacio de Oriente respects the stated legal minimum size when making any purchases. As a consumer, you too can help by keeping these regulations in mind when purchasing fish at ports, restaurants and fishmongers.

Enforcement of No Fishing Zones. Certain areas are cordoned off where there is a high concentration of juvenile fish of a particular species. This does apply to all species however as often the juveniles and adult fish cohabit the same areas.

Setting limits on the amount of Juvenile fish caught This regulation is normally applied in areas where the juveniles and adults live together. It is monitored by sampling equipment aboard the boats that measures the proportion of juveniles from the total fish caught.

Establishment of fishing seasons. This regulation prohibits fishing during certain periods throughout the year to allow the fish to reproduce. For certain "rapid growth" species like cephalopods (Octopus, Squid), this regulation helps us to determine the size and age of the first catch.

Modernization of fishing methods, controlling the size of nets and fish hooks used.

Measures relating to the Fishing Industry:

These measures have been developed with the following variables in mind: the biomass of the average population of the species, the composition and the quantity of the fishing fleet, and the characteristics of the boats.

Inside these measures we find:

Limited growth of fleets dedicated to fishing one particular species, a system whose results are reflected in the long term.

Restricting access to fishing grounds by giving fewer licenses and making fewer concessions to individuals or groups. In the case of those fishermen who do not obtain licenses, it is necessary that they find an alternative activity.

Limitation of Fishing power. Establishment of limits on the efficiency of the fishing arts Limitation of Fishing Areas.

Closed seasons imposed on a particular zone can be permanent or temporary - intermittent fishing. Usually these measures only apply in areas where species which are very ecologically mature.

Restriction of fishing times. When this type of regulation is enforced, fishing is completely prohibited for a certain period. This is referred to as a "veda total" or a Biological Stop. Depending on the situation, less restrictive actions can be taken based on the available fishing hours in the day, or the number of permitted fishing days in a week or month.

Limitation of yield, establishes limits on declared catches or annual quotas.

Promotion of Aquaculture

Palacio de Oriente supports the development of Aquaculture to replenish the eco-system.

The comparison that is often made between the farm and the hunt can be related directly to that of aquaculture and fishing. New farming procedures reassure the constant renovation of resources without run out the natural banks of any species.

The promotion of these types of activities as more environmentally friendly methods of sustaining marine resources is very important. 100% of Palacio de Oriente mussel manufacture takes place on the boats located in the Galician sector.

When purchasing fish, the buying department of Palacio de Oriente makes sure that it is aware of any restrictions on each different species.

Due to this and to the particular characteristics of canned fish, one can enjoy and choose from a wide selection of recipes at any point throughout the year, without worrying about what regulations happen to be in place at that time. Palacio de Oriente constantly tries to anticipate these restrictions and regulations whilst manufacturing its products.