Pictured: A French fishing boat returns to harbour.
Photo: Adobe Stock.
The European fishing industry is urging the European Commission to intervene as surging fuel prices put mounting pressure on operators throughout the EU.
Industry body Europêche warned that some vessels are already operating at a loss, as fuel costs in certain cases exceed the value of the catch. It said the situation is worsening due to higher global oil prices linked to geopolitical instability, particularly in the Middle East.
“The situation is becoming unsustainable for many fishing operators,” said Europêche president Javier Garat. “If fuel prices remain at current levels, many vessels will be forced to stop operating.”
According to the organisation, this could have wider consequences, affecting jobs in coastal communities and disrupting seafood supply to European markets.
Europêche has called for rapid support measures similar to those used during the 2022 energy crisis, arguing that these could be introduced quickly. It is asking for crisis funding to be mobilised through the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund, alongside temporary national aid schemes and more flexible state aid rules.
The group also wants aid limits to be set per vessel rather than per company, and has suggested activating "exceptional market measures" under the Common Fisheries Policy.
Looking ahead, Europêche said longer-term steps are needed to reduce exposure to fuel price volatility. These include improving access to fuel in EU ports, supporting the use of lower-emission alternatives such as HVO and FAME biodiesel, and investing in more efficient vessels.
“The European fishing sector remains fully committed to sustainability, decarbonisation, food security and the resilience of coastal communities,” Garat added. “However, the current surge in fuel prices represents an external shock that requires swift and coordinated action at EU level.”