Sardine (Sardina pilchardus) and Anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) are the main target species of the purse seine fleet operating in geographical sub-area (GSA) 06, but other species with lower economical importance are also captured, sometimes representing a high percentage of the capture as horse mackerel (Trachurus spp.), mackerel (Scomber spp.) and gilt sardine (Sardinella aurita). Fishing is carried out 5 days a week and the time at sea is 12 hours per day. No fishing is allowed at weekend. The minimum landing size is 11 cm, although some landings are under minimum size in some specific ports. There are several technical measures regulations (gear and mesh size, engine, GTR, etc.). Temporary fishing closures from 1^st December to 31^st January. From official data, the total purse seine fleet of the whole GSA06 (Northern Spain) is made up by 130 units: 3% are smaller than 12 m in length, 83% between 12 and 24 m and 13% larger than 24 m. The fleet continuously decreased in the last decade, from more than 222 vessels in 1995 to 130 in 2010. This strong reduction is possibly linked to a continuous decline of small pelagic catches.

This fishery is considered overexploited. Although the exploitation rate (fishing mortality) is at a moderate high level, the stock abundance in 2010 remains at low levels, though it has increased from 2008, when the lowest value of the entire series was reported.