The new legislation, ratified by the regional Assembly, aims to be a pillar for rural development and the fight against depopulation, benefiting professionals in the agricultural and livestock sector, as well as enthusiasts and nature lovers. It introduces the creation of Population Control Plans for municipalities to manage overabundant species, such as wild boar or rabbits, thereby preventing damage to crops.
Regarding fishing, regulations for waters are simplified, which will now be classified into three categories: fishing reserves (cotos), waters under special regime, and private waters. The regulation pays special attention to emblematic species like trout in river ecosystems, and other relevant ones in reservoirs and lower river sections, such as carp or pike.
Currently, 71 percent of the Madrid region's territory, equivalent to 572,254 hectares, is considered hunting ground, with 45,044 active hunting licenses. In fishing, there are 46,414 active permits and 34 regulated stretches totaling 347 kilometers.
The law promotes the modernization of the sector through the implementation of digital licenses and electronic administrative procedures to simplify processes. The sanctioning regime is updated: minor infractions will be fined between 200 and 1,000 euros; serious ones, between 1,000 and 10,000 euros; and very serious ones, between 10,000 and 80,000 euros.
In terms of safety, the minimum distance for hunting near populated areas is extended from 100 to 150 meters. Furthermore, a general minimum size for hunting reserves is established at 250 hectares, although for small game, authorization may be granted from 50 hectares with technical justification.
