The Fisheries General Secretary, Alicia Villauriz, notes that the government is aligning its strategy with European Union programs to integrate fisheries into broader investments aimed at sustainability and the recovery and transformation of the agri-food sector through the PERTE framework. This approach emphasizes smart public spending that supports both ecological stewardship and resilient livelihoods for coastal communities.
She reiterated the government’s position that the EU should include fisheries within PERTE’s agri-food aid stream, while acknowledging some debates about scope. The Agriculture and Fisheries Commission is set to present the General Government Budgets for their departments before the Congress of Deputies, outlining how these programs will be funded and implemented over the coming year. [Source attribution: Fisheries General Secretariat]
Addressing the challenges facing the Spanish fleet, Villauriz described rapid, targeted actions to cushion the sector from rising fuel costs. She highlighted direct aid distributed in record time, with amounts already called in totaling 50 million euros. The measures are designed to reach the fleet quickly, ensuring immediate relief while safeguarding long-term competitiveness. This sustained support is part of a broader package intended to stabilize the industry and promote sustainable fishing practices. [Source attribution: Fisheries General Secretariat]
In another development, Villauriz welcomed Europe’s decision to raise Spain’s southern hake quota by 84 percent. She noted that for this year, stock growth is anticipated to strengthen in the near term, with careful scientific evaluation needed to guide future, profitable management of shared resources. The emphasis remains on sustainable exploitation and evidence-based decision-making to balance economic needs with environmental health. [Source attribution: Fisheries General Secretariat]
During a session at the Congress of Deputies, Villauriz presented the Fisheries General Secretariat’s budget of 79.3 million euros, a 23 percent increase atop the 21.65 million Rescue, Transformation and Resilience Fund. Together, these funds are expected to bring the plan to a total of 101 million euros, reinforcing the government’s commitment to a resilient and productive fishing sector. [Source attribution: Fisheries General Secretariat]
The ministry emphasizes that these resources are part of a broader strategy to help the industry consolidate a model centered on sustainability and profitability. The objective is to maintain a competitive fishing sector that also guarantees food security, achievable only with healthy and productive oceans. [Source attribution: Fisheries General Secretariat]
As for the fisheries structures and markets improvement program, funding of 57.2 million euros has been allocated for 2023, marking a 25 percent increase. The funds will finance measures to boost competitiveness in fisheries and aquaculture through technological development and innovation, ensuring the sector remains at the cutting edge of modern practice. [Source attribution: Fisheries General Secretariat]
Officials stress that a profitable fishing activity is essential for long-term viability, and these budgets are crucial for future financing measures that support the sector’s competitiveness and sustainability. [Source attribution: Fisheries General Secretariat]
Under the fisheries resource conservation and sustainable development program, 22.1 million euros have been designated, representing a 20 percent rise. This investment strengthens scientific knowledge as a core pillar for informed decision-making in fisheries management and policy. [Source attribution: Fisheries General Secretariat]
Villauriz underscored that 13.1 million euros will support the management of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, including provisions for temporary fleet stops. This allocation marks a 63.7 percent increase and reflects a strategic emphasis on maintaining a satisfactory biological status of fishing resources, with particular attention to the Mediterranean region where special weight is given. [Source attribution: Fisheries General Secretariat]
The government also confirms renewed backing for the value chain in the fishing industry, including a further rise in support for producer organizations. The allocation lifts to 18.63 million euros, a 38 percent increase from the previous year, signaling a sustained push to strengthen cooperation and market readiness across the sector. [Source attribution: Fisheries General Secretariat]
In addition, the Fisheries General Secretary reiterated a firm commitment to fishermen’s associations within the budget framework, maintaining a figure of 550 thousand euros. This backing aims to ensure that all union tools are managed more efficiently, helping to translate policy into practical benefits for workers and communities involved in the sector. [Source attribution: Fisheries General Secretariat]
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