Spanish Loops

Spain has always lived facing the sea. And not just for the views. In this new episode of Spanish Loops, we (literally) dive into one of the most fascinating and sometimes controversial parts of Spanish life: fishing, Europe, and the quotas that shape what ends up on our plates. Spain is one of the biggest fishing nations in the European Union, but that comes with rules, limits and long negotiations in Brussels.  EU fishing quotas decide how much can be caught, where, and when. Sounds technical… but behind those numbers there are centuries of tradition, entire coastal towns, and families who have lived from the sea for generations. We travel along the coast of Cádiz, where the legendary bluefin tuna has been caught since Phoenician times using the almadraba technique, a ritual as old as history itself.  Then we head north to the Basque Country, where cod isn’t just food, it’s culture, memory and identity. And we stop by the estuaries and rías, where shellfish farming quietly produces some of the finest seafood in Europe. This episode is also about how fish defines Spanish gastronomy. From humble tapas to Michelin-starred kitchens, seafood is everywhere: grilled, cured, stewed, raw… always respected. Always central. Understanding fishing in Spain means understanding its past, its relationship with Europe, and its future at sea. So yes, this episode is going to sound a bit fish - ish.Happy listening!