The fishing sector is going through one of its toughest periods, a storm that seems to have no clear end and is driving the industry toward an economic trough. A sharp drop in allowable fishing days imposed by Brussels, paired with steadily rising fuel costs, has placed fleets in a precarious position where operations hang in the balance. Yet, amid this turbulence, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries is finalizing a decree that would boost the financial support ships receive from European funds by roughly 15 percent. The aim is to compensate for the loss of working hours, though some fleets may still struggle if fuel prices remain high.
The European Union has moved to cap fishing activity by introducing a new block of ten to twelve days of allowable fishing time. In the Mediterranean, this decision tightens the schedule for trawlers, who will be limited to about 165 fishing days this year, down from 240 just two years ago. In Alicante province alone, the measure touches around 130 vessels, threatening the continuity of about 800 jobs. Even as the industry and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries pressed for compensation, the overall outlook remained uncertain rather than clearly resolved.
This stance was voiced by Roger Llanes, regional secretary for the department, who noted that the ministry is near completing a decree to grant affected ships access to credit through the European Fisheries and Aquaculture Maritime Fund (Fempa). Llanes stressed that providing compensation for the profits fishermen are expected to forfeit as a result of these cuts is a fair move that acknowledges the harsh economic reality faced by crews and boat owners alike.
In practical terms, the measure signals a shift in the support system, reducing aid at bio-stops while pivoting toward compensation for the reduction of fishing effort. Based on preliminary calculations, Juan Mulet, who serves as secretary of the Alicante Fishermen’s Federation, said the reform would raise overall aid by about 15 percent. Under the proposal, compensation would range from roughly 2,500 to 4,000 euros depending on the vessel type. Mulet added that increased income would be modest but welcome, especially given the current financial pressures weighing on the sector.
Ultimately, however, the compensations do not fully resolve the sector’s uncertain future. With fish oil prices hovering above 80 cents and existing state aid already diminished, many workers feel the squeeze. An observer notes that some people are effectively working just to cover Social Security contributions and wages, underscoring the fragile economics at play.
EU agrees to a 20-day cutoff for fisheries, pushing provincial sectors to the edge of financial distress
Rafael Torres, a representative of Alicante’s fishing community, commented that while the promised ministry funds and fuel subsidies offer a small temporary relief, the broader prospects remain highly complex and uncertain for many crews and companies.
Pedro Carmona, head of the Torrevieja Brotherhood, offered a candid critique of the auction-based pricing system, arguing that it leaves fishermen without a solid earnings floor. He added that when the sole viable option becomes living on subsidies, the trade itself loses its dignity and purpose, a sentiment echoed by several industry voices who call for more stable and predictable pricing mechanisms to sustain livelihoods over the long term.