2024-12-05 18:20:00
Fishermen will stop next Monday and Tuesday to protest against the 80% reduction. of fishing activity – in fishing days – compared to 2024 which wants to impose the european Commission (THERE IS). In this way, and in line with other brotherhoods across the State, the union wants to put pressure on the Commission in the negotiations which are scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, and in which the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food will also participate, Luis Planas. Fishermen accuse the EC and consider this limitation a “infamy» and ask for it to be withdrawn. In this sense they warn that, if accomplished, this will have direct consequences on workers throughout the sector and on subsequent sales on the market, according to ACS.
In Palamós, for example, the fishermen’s brotherhood organized a protest against the proposal to regulate fishing. the event will take place on Monday, at 1pm, on the esplanade of the fishing port of Palamós and will include the reading of a poster.
They believe that the European Commission’s proposed regulation is “disproportionate». They explain that their question “can put the survival of the sector at risk catalan fishing and directly or indirectly related companies in the fields of marketing,catering and tourism.
On the other hand,Iris Triolaresponsible for the promotion of the Blanes brotherhood,believes that the reduction “is impossible for any company or family”. “This means that another 79% must be added to the boats that were already reducing everyone’s working days, minus the bad weather that we fishermen already suffer from,” he explains.
Faced with this situation, the fishermen of the municipality join the detentions on Monday and Tuesday. In fact,triola explains that most of the workers in the sector are in Blanes they will travel to Madrid to join the event scheduled at the headquarters of the European Commission.
In Roses the government announced that it will present one in plenary support movement in the fishing sector.These measures,they assure,”kill the sector,which in 20 years has lost half the boats in its fleet”. The government, through a statement, states that “it is totally incompatible with the fishing activity, since there is no economy that can sustain itself by working between 20 and 28 days a year”.
With the motion, the City Council wants to support the agreement adopted between France, Italy and Spain to jointly request a moratorium on the Multiannual Management Plan of the Mediterranean Sea in 2025, and thus guarantee the maintenance of fishing levels for 2025 as in 2024 .
Fish sales drop
This week,in a statement,Catalan fishermen have already warned that as early as 2024 the sale of fish in fishmongers decreased by 12.5%. “We cannot accept further cuts, the vitality and dignity of Catalan fishing do not deserve the treatment they have received, much less this reckless proposal”, we read in the letter and for this reason the involvement of the various administrations is requested. furthermore, they recall that they have already adopted several voluntary measures to ensure “lasting” fishing.
In this sense, they note the fact that fishing days of less than twelve hours were carried out, from departure to arrival in port, five days a week. They also argue that there have been organic bans of more than 50 days and that fishing exclusion zones have been demarcated.
The Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food, Oscar Ordeigcalls on the European Commission to listen to the fishing sector, Mediterranean fisheries administrations and the scientific community. For his part, the Spanish Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Luis Planas, believes that the proposal is ”extreme” and underlines that it will be “very challenging” to reach an agreement on this basis during the next Agriculture and Fisheries Council on December 9 and 10.
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How can fishing communities effectively advocate for their interests during negotiations with the European Commission?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Fisheries Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome,everyone,to today’s special interview. We’re here to discuss a significant upcoming protest from fishermen across Europe. Joining us is Dr. Elena Marquez, a fishing industry expert and marine policy analyst. Dr. Marquez, thank you for being with us today.
Dr. Marquez: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss these critical issues facing our fishing communities.
Time.news Editor: Let’s dive right in. We understand that fishermen are planning a protest next Monday and Tuesday against the European Commission’s proposed 80% reduction in fishing activity for 2024. what are the primary concerns driving this protest?
Dr. Marquez: The fishermen’s concerns stem from the severe implications this proposed cut would have on their livelihoods. An 80% reduction in fishing days is unprecedented and is viewed by many as an attack on the industry. The restrictions could lead to substantial job losses and directly impact not just the fishermen, but the entire supply chain linked to fishing—like processors, distributors, and retail.
Time.news Editor: The fishermen have described these limitations as an “infamy.” Can you elaborate on why they feel this way?
Dr. Marquez: Absolutely. Fishermen argue that the decision appears to be made without fully considering the socioeconomic realities they face.Many small-scale fishers already operate on tight margins,and an enforced reduction at such a drastic level threatens their very existence. They feel that such measures are taken without adequate scientific basis or community input,which leads to feelings of disenfranchisement.
Time.news Editor: The article mentions that the Minister of Agriculture,Fisheries and Food,Luis Planas,will be part of negotiations scheduled on the same days as the protest. What outcomes do you think could arise from these discussions?
Dr. Marquez: Those negotiations will be crucial. While it’s clear that the European Commission is focused on sustainability and ecosystem conservation, there’s a need for a balanced approach that also supports the livelihood of fishers. I hope to see a willingness to engage in constructive dialog that explores option measures, such as adjusting quotas based on scientific data without resorting to drastic cuts.
Time.news Editor: What could be the broader implications if the Commission’s proposal goes through without modification?
Dr. Marquez: If the European Commission proceeds with the cuts as proposed, we’re likely to see significant economic fallout. This could lead to not only job losses within the fishing industry but also affect local economies, especially in coastal towns dependent on fishing.There may also be long-term effects on fish stock management, as fewer boats might lead to overfishing during the allowed days due to pressures to compensate for lost income.
Time.news Editor: It seems like a delicate balance between sustainability and economic viability. What can the fishing communities do to amplify their voice in such negotiations?
Dr. Marquez: Community solidarity is essential. Protests like the ones planned are a good start. Fishermen can also engage with their local representatives and educate the public about the importance of sustainable fishing practices that do not negate their ability to make a living. Building alliances with environmental organizations that advocate for sustainable practices could also present a united front to the European Commission.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Marquez, for sharing your insights today. We’ll be watching closely as the situation develops and hope for a resolution that can benefit both the fishing industry and fish sustainability.
Dr. Marquez: Thank you for having me. It’s a critical time for the fishing industry, and I appreciate the opportunity to discuss it.
Time.news Editor: And thank you to our viewers.Stay tuned for more updates as this situation unfolds.