Spain, France, and Italy denounce the further reduction of fishing days

Spain, France, and Italy have requested the European Commission (EC) to impose a moratorium on the fishing management measures in the Mediterranean for 2025, while also calling for the resumption of negotiations to adapt the current Multiannual Plan for the Western Mediterranean.

The Multiannual Plan for the Western Mediterranean for demersal populations transitional period expires on December 31, and this will require following the approach of maximum sustainable yield (MSY) starting January 1, 2025.

In a joint statement, the fisheries ministers of the three countries—Luis Planas from Spain, Fabrice Loher from France, and Francesco Lollobrigida from Italy—have stated that there are alternatives to the drastic measures of reducing fishing days.

The three countries agree that the trawl fleets operating in the Mediterranean have made considerable efforts since 2020, and more time is needed for the positive effects on fish population dynamics to become fully visible.

They also emphasized that the Mediterranean fishing sector has suffered significant negative socio-economic consequences due to the restrictive management measures protecting fish populations and other unforeseen factors stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic and military conflicts.

Consequences

The European management plan implementation could lead to unfortunate measures for national and local economies. One of the risks may be failing to ensure a decent income for fishermen.

Furthermore, the suspension of activities by trawlers in 2025 will affect the entire fishing industry in the western Mediterranean and cause supply problems of healthy food to European Union citizens.

Additionally, during the opening of the annual conference of the National Association of Freezer Trawler Owners of Cephalopods (ANACEF), Spain assured that the timely renewal of all fishing agreement protocols that the European Union (EU) maintains with third countries is "essential".