Spain calls for greater EU support for sustainable fishing and aquaculture during EU Commissioner visit

Spain has reiterated its strong commitment to sustainable fishing and aquaculture in the Mediterranean during a series of high-level meetings with European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, who made his first official visit to the country last week.

In Peñíscola (Castellón), Secretary General of Fisheries Isabel Artime welcomed Commissioner Kadis to the local port to witness the daily unloading and auction of fish.

“Fishing in the Mediterranean is an activity deeply connected to our culture. It plays a vital role in structuring our territory and diversifying local economies. It generates a significant number of direct and indirect jobs and contributes to food supply with products that have unique nutritional and gastronomic value,” Artime said, in a Spanish language statement.

She reiterated Spain's position that Mediterranean fishing must be developed sustainably in all three dimensions, environmental, economic, and social, and that EU policies should reflect this balance.

This position was echoed during discussions in Madrid, where Spain's Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Luis Planas met with Kadis and regional leaders to advocate for a targeted revision of the Mediterranean management plan. Planas warned that current regulations place disproportionate pressure on vulnerable species such as hake and must be adjusted to ensure both ecological and economic sustainability.

“The Spanish sector is serious; we have implemented all the measures agreed in Brussels. And if we want to have room for negotiation this coming December, we must address the changes proposed by Spain, France, and Italy for the Mediterranean,” Planas stated.

Planas also emphasized the strategic importance of aquaculture for the future of European food systems, describing it as an “essential activity” for ensuring food security. He called for increased EU support for both aquaculture and fisheries, and for more flexibility in the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), including the removal of restrictive criteria like vessel length that limit access to financing.

As part of a broader vision for modernizing the sector, Planas pointed to generational renewal, fleet decarbonization, and innovation as priorities.

“We need to decarbonize the fleet and practice 21st-century fishing with 21st-century vessels - not with vessels from the 20th century - so that they are safer, more comfortable, and ensure access for young people into the sector,” he said.

Speaking at a press conference following the two days of meetings, Commissioner Kadis affirmed Spain’s critical role within the EU’s fisheries landscape.

“Visiting Spain early in my mandate was particularly important due to the pivotal role it plays in the Mediterranean and the Atlantic,” Kadis said, adding, "Spain is leading the way towards more sustainable practices in the Mediterranean.”

He emphasized that both Spain and the EU face common challenges regarding the fishing sector, including sustainability, fair competition, and modernizing the fleet. “We are fully aware the fisheries sector is encountering several challenges - including sustainability, a level playing field, fair competition, and the need for modernization and decarbonization,” he said. “In the Mediterranean, we also have unique biodiversity and many small-scale fishers. Tailoring solutions is essential.”

Kadis indicated he had been discussing major policy goals for his mandate with Spanish officials and stakeholders, including the forthcoming European Ocean Pact, which he said could be a "game-changer for the health of our ocean and the wellbeing of our coastal communities."

He also referred to the ongoing evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy. “We must ensure [the CFP] is fit for purpose and effective to guarantee the competitiveness of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors in a healthy marine environment," he said, noting that the current evaluation of the CFP will be used to help the European Commission build on the positive aspects, but also address its weaknesses, "if necessary with legislative action."

As part of the visit, Kadis toured Spain’s Fisheries Monitoring Centre and met with regional authorities from Mediterranean autonomous communities.

“It was impressive to witness and hear about their exemplary effort in ensuring robust fisheries control and combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing to safeguard marine resources for future generations. It’s an example of a common vision and shared path," he stated.

Remarking on the somewhat fraught December negotiations over reductions to fishing days in the western Mediterranean, Kadis said the European Commission is exploring “all possible solutions” to secure the ongoing sustainability of the Western Mediterranean fishing sector.

“This is the beginning of an open, positive, and regular contact with Spain and with the sector,” he concluded.