There was no turning back. Even after a two-day concession in the initial offer, the European Union approved a new ten-day cutoff for trawler fishing in the Mediterranean. Spain opposed the measure, leaving Alicante’s fishing sector in a precarious position, with half the fleet grounded both ashore and at sea. Fishermen have begun applying for subsidies to scrap vessels.
EU Fisheries Ministers finalized on Tuesday the agreed total allowable catch for next year in community waters. Following negotiations, the days available for Mediterranean fishing were adjusted to a 7% increase from the previously proposed 7.5%, while compensation rose from 3% to 3.5%. In practical terms, this reduces the originally planned twelve-day cut to ten days. It is a modest improvement, yet not enough for the sector or for Minister Luis Planas, who publicly opposed the measure.
The Spanish ministry leader defends this stance, arguing that cutting fishing days does not guarantee sustainability; instead, selective gear use will be required to distinguish catches by size.
In reality, Brussels’ decision represents a serious setback for the Alicante region, where 130 trawlers could fish on only 155 of the 240 fishing days available three years ago. Juan Mulet, secretary of the Provincial Brethren Federation, notes that there is no work for a half-year. Today, the fleet’s future hangs in the balance, further worsened by rising fuel costs and Social Security expenses, among other pressures. Family-run businesses appear to be the only viable survivors.
The situation is so fragile that a significant portion of fishermen may opt to scrap their boats if the European Marine Fisheries and Agriculture Fund (Fempa) approves financial support for such a withdrawal. “No one wants to shut a business,” Mulet says, “but when profitability disappears, there is little choice. It’s better to secure something now than to have nothing left.”
EU proposes a new 12-day cutoff for trawling, threatening fleet continuity
Moisés Herades, a senior leader of the Xàbia Brotherhood, echoes the concern: “The new cutoff has hit us hard. We’ll try to endure the rest of the year and assess options going forward, including the possibility of scrapping boats.”
The likelihood of scrapping grows as Fempa seeks relief authorization for this purpose. Roger Llanes, regional secretary for Agriculture and Fisheries, acknowledges the measure but argues that it damages the economic and social fabric created by fisheries. He concedes limited room for maneuver but insists that workers should receive greater financial compensation.
Reduction in red shrimp catch remains at 5%
The 7.5% reduction initially predicted for red shrimp catches next year was ultimately set at 5%. This should lessen the financial impact on shelled vessels, yet the effect remains significant given the species’ importance to fishermen and market values. White shrimp fares were more favorable, remaining at 7%, much to consumer satisfaction as it preserves price expectations.
The Mediterranean fishery bears the heaviest burden from ministers’ deal for the coming year. In contrast, the Atlantic sector stands to benefit: the allowable catch tally could reach 9,953 tons, the strongest figure in eight years. Quotas for mackerel could rise by as much as 20%, while whiting in the Bay of Biscay and the Cantabrian Sea would keep a 10% reduction intact. The base scenario mirrors these adjustments across similar stocks.
In short, Mediterranean trawlers find themselves at the center of the dispute, facing tighter limits that threaten ongoing operations. The broader regional picture shows some sectors gaining, others absorbing significant cuts, and all players watching policy moves with a wary eye for the next adjustment in Brussels.
[Citation attribution: European Union fisheries policy briefings, national ministry statements, and regional federation commentary.]