Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food, Luis Planas.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food in Spain has confirmed that it is working on two priority action lines to address the lack of generational renewal in the national fishing sector.
The first is to renew the fleet by constructing safer, more efficient, and more livable vessels. Its funding is expected to be proposed in the upcoming European financial framework.
Additionally, there are specific dual vocational training programs for the sector, and plans are in place to reform the decree that regulates nautical qualifications.
"Given the concerning lack of generational renewal that threatens the continuity of this activity, which is essential for food security and the economic and social life of coastal areas," reiterated Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food, Luis Planas.
According to data from the Ministry, the average age of the Spanish fleet is over 35 years, and 73% of workers in the maritime sector are over 40 years old.
Finally, Planas emphasized that key training is essential for achieving a blue economy and highlighted the importance of foreign workers in the national fishing sector, particularly crews from Indonesia, Peru, Ghana, Senegal, and Cape Verde.
To address all these requests, it was proposed to create working groups focused on specific issues, aimed at enhancing the viability and improving the profitability of the artisanal fleet.
Spain is the leading beneficiary member state of the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), with a budget allocation of €1,120 million.
