EU approves ten-day disruption to fishing and directs industry to scrap boats
In a move that could reshape the landscape of coastal fisheries, the minister responsible for agriculture, livestock, and fisheries presented a plan to another key official in the sector. The proposal focuses on a selective scrapping strategy for the Mediterranean trawler fleet. This decision follows engagement at the 2024 EU Council of Fisheries Ministers, where Western Mediterranean quotas were scrutinized and fishing days were capped at a total of 15 days per period. The aim is to balance conservation with the viability of local fishing operations, particularly those based in the Valencian Community.
The ministry indicated it would advance new mechanisms to allocate fishing opportunities. The intention is to distribute up to 4000 fishing days across multiple base ports within the Valencian Community, allowing for a more flexible and potentially more sustainable use of fishing effort. The move signals a broader approach to quota management that seeks to align environmental limits with the economic needs of regional fleets.
Over the course of three days, the minister, accompanied by the Director General of Fisheries, engaged directly with national fisheries organizations in Brussels. The discussions centered on options that would safeguard the continuity of Valencian fishing activities while complying with EU targets. Given a 9.5 percent reduction in Western Mediterranean quotas, experts explain this translates into fewer authorized fishing days and smaller catch allowances. A senior advisor noted that maintaining profitable operations becomes challenging when a large portion of the year remains inactive, especially if only a fraction of annual activity is feasible. The observation underscores the pressure on fleets to adapt quickly to tighter limits while staying economically viable.
The minister also highlighted ongoing concerns about recurring disruptions faced by Valencian fisheries. The proposed policy is expected to channel national scrapping funds toward the sectors most affected by the agreement. In particular, one measure emphasizes prioritizing bottom trawlers constructed from wood for scrapping, citing a shortage of caulkers for repairs and cautious insurance market behavior that could include wooden vessels in coverage plans. This focus reflects the need to address aging fleets and to ensure financial support aligns with the realities of the vessels most vulnerable under the new arrangements.
Analysts note that the EU decision could lead to the removal of a significant number of vessels from service in the Valencian Community. Specifically, up to 33 ships with the described features may be scrapped, representing about one sixth of the 204 ships currently allocated to this activity in the region. The announcement is viewed as potentially beneficial to other autonomous communities within Spain, including Andalusia, Murcia, the Balearic Islands, and Catalonia, which may also experience gains from the restructuring. This cross-regional impact highlights how EU policy shifts ripple through local fleets and supply chains beyond the immediate geographic focus.
It is useful to recall that the Director General of Fisheries recently held a meeting in Madrid with the national Secretary of Fisheries and sector representatives. The discussions touched on the strategy for scrapping, including recommendations to base decisions on the location of vessels within their home ports. In the Spanish Mediterranean, the emphasis has leaned toward trawling and the construction of wooden ships, a fact that shapes how the scrapping program could be prioritized and implemented. The emphasis on port-based considerations aims to ensure the plan reflects actual fleet deployments and maintenance realities, rather than abstract quotas alone.
Throughout this period, Valencian officials have represented their autonomous community at the EU Council of Fisheries Ministers plenary sessions in Brussels. As plans advance, the regional councillor is set to transfer representation to a Canarian colleague in the near term, signaling a broader European coordination of interests among member states. The evolving dialogue will continue to shape how the Valencian Community navigates the transition, balancing conservation imperatives with the economic lifelines of local fishing communities. The latest developments are closely watched by industry stakeholders, policymakers, and observers who seek a clearer path forward for sustainable and economically viable fishing in the Mediterranean.