Inshore and Offshore: the 'compass' that sets the course for the Basque fleet

The Basque coast cannot be understood without considering the character of our fishing ports. From the border at Hondarribia to the docks of Ondarroa and Bermeo, fishing is the lifeblood of our towns. However, what arrives at the fish market is not a matter of chance, but rather the result of a strategic division between inshore and deep-sea fishing, each with its own seasons, species, and traditional methods.

Inshore fishing is the essence of coastal tradition. It involves smaller boats (around 125 inshore boats are registered in the Basque Country) that operate close to the coast in the Bay of Biscay, and whose fishing trips usually last only a few hours or, at most, a couple of days. Its great value lies in the extreme freshness of the catch and the use of artisanal fishing methods that protect the ecosystem. These are some of the fishing techniques used in inshore fishing:

• Purse seine fishing: This is the main fishing method for pelagic species such as anchovies and mackerel. It consists of surrounding the school of fish with a large net that closes at the bottom, like a bag, capturing the school without damaging the seabed (SEE VIDEO ITSAS ETXEA).
• Live bait and trolling: These are the key fishing methods for the Albacore tuna season. With live bait, fishermen keep anchovies or sardines alive in tanks on board the boat to attract the tuna to the surface, where they are caught one by one with a rod and reel. Trolling involves dragging rigs with artificial lures. By catching them one by one, the fish's flesh is not stressed, ensuring superior culinary quality (SEE VIDEO: LIVE BAIT AND TROLLING).

(SEE MORE VIDEOS OF INCOASTAL FISHING GEAR AT KOFRADIA ITSAS ETXEA)

When vessels grow in length and venture hundreds of miles offshore, we enter the realm of deep-sea fishing (there are approximately 35 registered deep-sea vessels in the Basque Country). The Basque fleet is renowned for its presence in historic fishing grounds such as the Great Sole Bank (south of Ireland) and the waters of the North Atlantic. Here, fishing seasons last for weeks. These are some of the fishing gear used in deep-sea fishing:

• Bottom longlining: This is one of the most selective fishing methods at depth. It consists of a main line from which thousands of baited hooks are suspended near the seabed. It is the preferred method for catching line-caught hake, prized for its firm texture, as the fish reach the deck without the impact of nets (SEE VIDEO ITSAS ETXEA).
• Bottom trawling: Used for species such as monkfish, megrim, and pompano, it consists of a sack-shaped net that is towed along the seabed. Although it is a more industrial fishing method, the Basque fleet has evolved towards lighter and more selective nets to reduce environmental impact.
• High Seas Purse Seine: In tropical waters (Indian or Pacific Ocean), the large Basque freezer tuna vessels (around 30) use monumental purse seine nets to catch skipjack and yellowfin tuna, essential for the region's powerful canning industry.

The classification between inshore and offshore fishing is not just a matter of distance, but also of quota management. While inshore fishing depends on the season (spring for anchovies, summer for bonito), offshore fishing allows for a constant supply of white fish throughout the year.

Both fleets coexist under the umbrella of technical innovation and sustainability. Today, consumers can identify the origin through labels such as the Eusko Label or MSC certification, which guarantee that the fish on their plates has been caught respecting the marine ecosystem's life cycles.

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