Fishing Sector Increases Catches by 13% Despite Brussels' Restrictions

The Councillor for Agriculture, Water, Livestock, and Fisheries, Miguel Barrachina, highlighted "the effort made by the fishing sector in record time to adapt to the demands imposed by Europe and thus maintain fishing days." This is evidenced by the data from the first four months of this year, where trawling and small-scale fishing in the Valencian Community reached 3.4 million kilos, valued at 24 million euros, representing a 13% increase compared to the same period in 2024, when 3 million kilos and 21.8 million euros were recorded.

Barrachina made these statements after attending the "Conference on the Present and Future of Traditional Fishing in the Western Mediterranean" organised by the municipalities of Vila Joiosa and Santa Pola.

Currently, the Valencian Community has 203 trawlers and a sector that generates over 4,000 direct and indirect jobs. Besides its economic importance, fishing has a key social and environmental aspect: "Just last year, our fishermen collected 150,000 tonnes of waste, mainly plastic, from the Mediterranean Sea. Protecting the fisherman is also protecting the sea," Barrachina concluded.

The councillor stated that "the fishing sector is fundamental to the economy and social fabric of the Valencian Community" and reaffirmed "the Consell's commitment to its defence, both before the Government of Spain and European institutions." Because "it makes no sense that precisely, at the time of greatest fish abundance, activity is limited to just 27 days of work. It is a decision that goes against logic and the sector's economy."

Barrachina criticised the European Commission's decision, supported by the central government, to drastically reduce fishing days from 133 to 27 days annually, a measure he described as "unfair and wrong." However, he positively valued the recent change in the European Commission for Fisheries and Oceans, assuring that the new commissioner, Costas Kadis, "brings hope to the sector due to his involvement and defence."

On the other hand, the councillor emphasised that fishing is also a business activity and needs foresight. "It is not reasonable that every year, in December, their way of life is radically changed without warning or consulting the sector. Processes must be public, anticipated, and with medium and long-term planning."

He also called for "more transparency and plurality of criteria" when assessing fish stocks: "It cannot be that catches of 200 species are limited by the criteria set for just one, as happens with hake. A more comprehensive and fair approach is urgently needed."