Alicante’s Fishing Sector Faces Severe EU-Imposed Reductions and Economic Strain
Profit margins have vanished for many in Alicante’s fishing community as the region adapts to a harsher EU policy on trawling. The cut in fishing days, now set at 45 rather than the previously calculated 15, has delivered a powerful blow to an industry already stretched thin. Boats that once operated for 240 days annually are limited to roughly 125 days this year, a drastic reduction that affects crews, ground staff, and the broader supply chain. The Brotherhood of Fishermen warns that job losses may extend beyond sailors to ground personnel as activity volumes drop dramatically.
Since 2020, the European Union has pursued aggressive reductions in Western Mediterranean trawling based on sustainability goals. This year the impact appears more pronounced, according to a notification received from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Initial expectations of a modest 15-day reduction have proven overly optimistic, with boats increasing their inactivity from 170 days the previous year to 125 days this year. The shift compounds the challenges faced by local fleets and the communities that rely on them for livelihoods.
Juan Mulet, secretary of the Alicante Provincial Federation of Fishermen’s Guilds, underscored that a 10 percent reserve remains available under certain conditions, equating to roughly 12 days. The prospect of new vessels joining the fleet is acknowledged, yet the sentiment across the industry remains one of disappointment and vulnerability. The situation is described as a grim setback that strips many operators of any realistic chance to stay afloat without significant support. The core concern centers on the affordability and practicality of continuing operations under the current regime, with compensation largely directed toward ship owners rather than workers. When unemployment benefits run out, many seafarers face an impossible choice between continuing to search for work and risking financial ruin.
A simple, stark explanation from industry spokespeople describes the moment with blunt clarity. No company can endure operating only 125 days per year while maintaining viability, and the existing compensation framework fails to bridge the gap for most workers. The message is clear and somber: relief is slow, incomplete, and insufficient to avert a broader crisis for families who depend on this sector for their daily bread.
Within Alicante, approximately 120 trawlers ply the coastline, supported by a workforce of around 600 individuals directly linked to the fishing vessels. The current cutback is expected to ripple through the port’s economy, prompting reductions in ground staff as activity declines. Each guild will face its own calculations, underscoring the localized nature of the impact and the need for tailored responses across different communities along the coast.
Fishing Disruptions Reduce Catch by 2,000 Tonnes and Strain Alicante’s Local Economy
José López, senior patron of the Santa Pola Brotherhood, notes a fleet of 36 trawlers tied up in its harbor. The scale of the disruption is palpable: the industry marks that relief measures have come late and in insufficient amounts, leaving many fishermen uneasy about the current year and skeptical about 2022 repayments. The combination of delayed compensation and reduced working days fuels unemployment and unsettled finances across the port. The broader effect includes fishermen and transporters who rely on steady flows of catch and movement to keep the supply chain functional. In López’s view, fishing is a chain, and when one link falters, the whole system suffers.
The economic strain is not limited to sailors. Port workers and ancillary staff face furloughs and potential layoffs as throughput declines. The sector’s capacity to absorb shocks hinges on coordinated support that prioritizes both ship owners and workers, a balance that has proven difficult to achieve under the current policy framework. The overarching concern remains: sustainable quotas must translate into viable livelihoods for those who harvest, process, and distribute the catch.
In parallel, guilds are seeking Ministry approval to fund the scrapping of a portion of the fleet. A coordinated scrapping program could offer a path toward greater economic stability by reducing the number of vessels while allowing remaining ships to operate more predictably within allocated quotas. This approach would help distribute unused quotas more effectively and could improve overall efficiency and resilience in the sector. Fishermen view mobilization as a legitimate and necessary response, using collective action to bring attention to the ongoing disruptions and to advocate for policy adjustments that preserve coastal livelihoods.
The ongoing discussion involves multiple players, including the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, which shares the goal of easing the sector’s slow deterioration. Sector leaders emphasize that the best course of action combines targeted fleet reductions with fair distribution of remaining quotas and timely compensation. The conversation continues as stakeholders evaluate how to navigate the current crisis while maintaining a sustainable future for Alicante’s fishing communities.