The European Commission’s proposal to further reduce fishing opportunities in the Mediterranean has sparked alarm among fisheries stakeholders, namely the European Transport Workers’ Federation. The latest proposed cuts would limit certain fleet segments to a maximum of just 27 fishing days per year. This follows years of significant sacrifices from Mediterranean fisheries, which have already faced a decline in the number of companies, vessels, and jobs.
In response, the social partners – ETF, Europêche, and Copa-Cogeca—have decided on a joint resolution, and have now sent a joint letter to the newly elected Fisheries Commissioner, urging a reconsideration of this proposal. The letter highlights the severe socio-economic consequences of additional restrictions, emphasising that such measures could threaten the survival of fishing operations and the livelihoods of coastal communities.
Over recent years, Mediterranean fisheries have significantly reduced their fishing effort, particularly in bottom-trawling operations, in an effort to support environmental sustainability. However, these reductions have come at a steep cost. According to the social partners, the sector is now at a breaking point, with many businesses closing, vessels being decommissioned, and jobs being lost.
Despite these efforts, the Commission has proposed further cuts, without providing scientific evidence on the effectiveness of the measures already implemented. The social partners argue that such an approach is unfair and unsustainable for a sector already struggling to survive.
In the letter, the social partners stressed the need for a balanced approach to fisheries management. ETF acknowledges the importance of maintaining healthy fish stocks and ensuring environmental sustainability but argues that these goals must be pursued alongside the preservation of a resilient fishing industry and viable coastal communities.
The ultimate objective should be to safeguard fishing jobs and activities while continuing to provide healthy, locally sourced seafood to European citizens. The social partners have called on the Commission to freeze fishing efforts at 2024 levels to achieve this. They also emphasised that fishing stocks and ecosystems are affected by various factors beyond fishing, requiring a more holistic approach to management.
The social partners voiced their support for the mobilisations organised by national organisations in Mediterranean countries and international organisations in Brussels. These actions aim to highlight the deep concerns of the sector and coastal communities, which fear that the proposed cuts would jeopardise the future of Mediterranean fisheries.
Furthermore, an urgent meeting to discuss these cuts with Commissioner Kadis was requested ahead of the AGRIFISH meeting. We urge the Commissioner to consider a more comprehensive view of the challenges facing Mediterranean fisheries, reflecting the principles he articulated during his recent hearing at the European Parliament.
The future of Mediterranean fisheries depends on striking the right balance between environmental, social, and economic sustainability. The sector and its workers have already made significant sacrifices; now, it is up to policymakers to ensure that these efforts are not in vain.