Brotherhoods close ranks against new fishing sector regulations
They claim the new regulation imposes absurd, dangerous and unworkable obligations
The Fishermen’s Guilds of the Canary Islands have announced to the public that, “in response to the deep discontent caused by the recent amendment to the Fisheries Control Regulation, all guilds across the archipelago will remain closed on Monday, January 19. This measure is taken in solidarity with the fishing sector throughout Spain, which is severely affected by a regulation we consider completely illogical and unjust.”
The decision follows several meetings of the National Federation of Fishermen’s Guilds (FNCP), during which they denounced that Regulation (EU) 2023/2842 “imposes absurd, dangerous and unworkable obligations, jeopardising the viability of the offshore and coastal fleet, maritime safety and common sense.”
“Among the most controversial measures is the requirement of a four‑hour advance notice of arrival at port for vessels that land a few minutes from the coast, and the obligation to record catches from ‘zero kilogram’. This creates legal uncertainty, increases the risk of accidents and arbitrary sanctions, and represents a total disconnect from the sector’s operational reality,” the federation explained.
On Monday, January 19 at 15:00, all Canary Islands guilds will gather simultaneously, coinciding with a technical meeting convened at the General Secretariat of Fisheries in Madrid. Representatives from the fishing sector across Spain, including the Canary Islands, will attend. The aim of this coordinated action is to make visible the unanimous rejection of a regulation that threatens the survival of artisanal and coastal fishing.
Depending on the outcome of that meeting, and if a satisfactory agreement that addresses the sector’s demands is not reached, the guilds do not rule out an indefinite closure and the organization of a large demonstration before the Government Delegation.
The Canary Islands guilds demand that the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food act responsibly and defend, before the European Commission, the flexibilities already provided for in Union law, thereby preventing irreparable damage to thousands of families and to the supply of locally sourced fresh fish.
The artisanal fishing sector needs, more than ever, the solidarity of Canary citizens and unanimous support from political representatives, regardless of ideology, demonstrating that their responsibility to the primary sector of the Canary Islands must come first.