Photo: CEPESCA/FIS

Mediterranean Fishing Sector Resigned to Net Changes as the Only Way to Recover Fishing Day

SPAIN
Thursday, January 09, 2025, 03:40 (GMT + 9)

The Mediterranean fishing sector has expressed that the limited flexibility to recover fishing days—following the 79% reduction imposed by the EU Council of Fisheries Ministers last December—forces fishermen to reluctantly accept the changes in net codends. This adjustment is the only mechanism available under the compensation scheme to recover all fishing days.

This was stated by the Spanish Fisheries Confederation (CEPESCA) following its second meeting yesterday with Isabel Artime, Secretary General of Fisheries at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food (MAPA).

In fact, the sector continues to stress that these decisions will jeopardize the viability of many businesses and, consequently, the jobs dependent on them. "The situation for many Mediterranean fishers was already precarious, and these new measures will only worsen it," noted Javier Garat, Secretary General of CEPESCA.

In this context, CEPESCA reiterated during the meeting the need to implement a series of actions to mitigate the impact. Among their requests were ensuring the recovery of fishing days through mandatory net changes; authorizing 5 mm twisted twine, supporting this request with legislative changes and studies from the Spanish Oceanographic Institute that demonstrate no adverse impact on net selectivity.

Additionally, the sector called for a targeted decommissioning plan to align fleet capacity with available fishing days and opportunities. "This would allow those in the most difficult circumstances to leave the industry in the most dignified way possible," Garat explained.

The industry also requested financial compensation through loss-of-income aid to address the anticipated revenue decline resulting from the net modifications. Lastly, they advocated for improved management of closed fishing seasons across provinces and efforts to secure the best possible prices at fish markets by aligning supply with demand.

The Western Mediterranean Multiannual Fisheries Plan, in effect since 2020, has resulted in a cumulative 40% reduction in fishing days, as well as restrictions on fishing gear and area closures. In December 2024, the EU Fisheries Council approved a further 79% reduction in fishing activity days, with the option to partially or fully offset the cuts through various compensation mechanisms.

Photo: CEPESCA

For the sector, these measures represent an additional sacrifice after years of adapting to sustainability criteria. CEPESCA has warned that without a balance between ecological sustainability and economic viability, these decisions could lead to the disappearance of many Mediterranean fishers.

On a positive note, during the meeting, CEPESCA acknowledged the Secretary General of Fisheries’ flexibility in accepting some of the sector's proposals. This includes providing financial assistance for changing net codends and allowing these modifications to be certified by fisheries inspectors for one year, with the possibility of extension.

Finally, CEPESCA called for work to begin on amending the regulation governing the Mediterranean Multiannual Plan to prevent a similar situation from arising next December. They also urged the updating of scientific assessments to confirm improvements in fish stocks after five consecutive years of measures aimed at reducing fishing effort and mortality, as well as protecting juveniles and breeders of specific species.

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