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🏛 Autonomous City of Melilla 🌊 Recreational maritime 🤿 Underwater with medical cert.
Recreational maritime fishing · Melilla · 2026

Fishing License in Melilla

In Melilla, fishing is maritime: you need the recreational maritime fishing license issued by the Autonomous City of Melilla. It is for those over 16 and the underwater modality requires a medical certificate. You fish in the Alboran Sea.

Issued by MelillaAutonomous City
Underwater with medical cert.free diving, over 16

Your fishing license in Melilla, at a glance

Who issues it: the Autonomous City of Melilla (application for recreational maritime fishing license).
For whom: individuals over 16 years old.
Underwater: free diving, with a medical certificate of fitness.
See how to obtain it, step by step

Requirements

Age: over 16 years old.
Modalities: from shore/coast, from a boat, and underwater (free diving).
Underwater: medical certificate proving physical fitness for recreational underwater fishing; no tanks allowed.

How to obtain the fishing license in Melilla

  1. Gather your ID/NIE and, if underwater, the medical certificate.
  2. Apply for the license at the Autonomous City of Melilla (there is an application form).
  3. Pay the corresponding fee and collect/download your license.
  4. From 2026, register to declare catches in PescaREC (see below).
Official information: application for recreational maritime fishing license — Autonomous City of Melilla.

New for 2026: PescaREC

📲 From January 2026, the new European control regulation requires recreational fishermen in external waters (including underwater fishing) to declare their catches through PescaREC. Get informed and register to comply with the regulations.

Remember: recreational maritime fishing in external waters is under state jurisdiction (Royal Decree 347/2011); the license is issued by the Autonomous City.

Where and what to fish in Melilla

Melilla fishes in the Alboran Sea, one of the richest areas of the Mediterranean:

Breakwaters and portSea bream, golden bream, bass, and bogue on rod.
Shallows and rocksGrouper, dentex, and grouper (with respect to sizes).
Coastal trollingWahoo (barracuda) and bonito.
Reserves and protected areasWith special rules; get informed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who issues the fishing license in Melilla?
The Autonomous City of Melilla, through the application for recreational maritime fishing license. In Melilla, recreational fishing is maritime.
What do I need for underwater fishing?
Be over 16 years old and have a medical certificate proving physical fitness for recreational underwater fishing. It is free diving; tanks are not allowed.
What is PescaREC?
It is the catch declaration system for recreational fishing in external waters, mandatory since January 2026 under the European control regulation. It includes underwater fishing.
Is there a river license in Melilla?
No. In Melilla, recreational fishing is maritime (Alboran Sea); there is no license for inland waters.