Spain: Draft bill for sustainable fishing approved The Council of Ministers have approved a Draft Sustainable Fisheries Act, which aims to achieve rational, responsible and sustainable fishing in accordance with local and international legislation as well as the code of conduct for responsible fisheries from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation(FAO). The new legislation will aid the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU). In addition, the bill includes European guidelines on environmental matters established within the Strategy for the Marine Directive Framework. It aims to achieve and maintain a good environmental status for the marine community by continuing its protection and conservation, and prevent deterioration in the framework of an integrated maritime policy, according to the Ministry of Environment and Rural and Marine Affairs (MARM). The new rules will also provide protection for endangered species, promote fish and oceanographic research, innovative techniques and more selective fishing equipment, energy efficiency and waste management, among other provisions. Also highlighted is the importance of growth in the aquaculture sector as an economic activity, as part of sea fishing.