The European Commission pressed member states to begin phasing out trawling by restricting it in at least 20 percent of national waters, with a target of implementation by March 2024. This move forms an initial step toward a broader plan to remove the practice from all marine protected areas by 2030. The proposal has sparked concern in the provincial fishing sector, which has faced significant reductions in allowable fishing hours in recent years.
Virginius Sinkevicius, the European Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, stated that the proposed measures aim to restore healthy marine ecosystems and lessen the footprint of fishing activities. The plan calls on member states to enact national rules or submit joint recommendations to halt trawling within existing protected zones and to prohibit it in newly designated areas, with the ultimate goal of complete exclusion from all protected zones by 2030. By mid-year, EU nations will also set limits on the maximum seafloor area that can be harmed or lost due to human pressure and will implement enforcement measures to ensure compliance.
While quantifying the impact of these policies remains challenging, the Commission’s proposal has raised concerns among Alicante’s fishing community. A total of 130 trawlers have already faced various reductions and are now struggling to fish the 155 days they previously logged out of 240 potential days just three years ago. [EC]
EU approves a ten-day cutoff for fishing and prompts industry to rethink boats
Juan Mulet, secretary of the Provincial Brethren Federation, notes that roughly 30 percent of Alicante’s waters are protected under fishermen’s advocacy, with some areas entirely off-limits and others allowed only during restricted periods. He warns that any further reductions could be a decisive blow for the industry, especially alongside rising fuel costs and Social Security considerations. [EC]
Mulet argues that the cuts were introduced without adequate consultation. He emphasizes that the traditional fishing method in his region has a relatively small environmental footprint and remains an integral part of local culture. He stresses that policymakers should consider the social and economic ripple effects before imposing new restrictions. [EC]