New European Fishing Restrictions Strengthen Dependence on Moroccan Fish
The new restrictions imposed by the European Union to monitor fishing activities have sparked widespread controversy along the Valencia coast. Miguel Barachina, the regional Minister of Agriculture, Water, Livestock, and Fishing, deemed these measures unjustified and threatening to the future of local fishermen, suggesting they could effectively increase reliance on Morocco as an alternative source for supplying fish to markets.
These measures require fishermen to declare all types of caught fish, up to about 200 species, two and a half hours before arriving at the port. Industry professionals have labeled this requirement as practically unimplementable, especially in coastal fishing areas.
During a press conference following a meeting of the Valencia Government Council, Barachina affirmed full regional support for fishermen, announcing his backing for a strike called by trade unions in protest against these measures, which they consider unfeasible.
Spanish media reported Barachina as saying the regulations have been established without regard for the daily realities of fishing, pointing out that the proximity of fishing grounds to the coast, along with weather fluctuations and sea conditions, makes compliance nearly impossible.
The minister warned that continuing these restrictions could lead to an increase in fish imports from Morocco, which is not subject to the same regulations, arguing that this policy may result in supplying Valencia’s markets with fish sourced from abroad instead of relying on local production.
This controversy arises as EU countries last week granted the European Commission a mandate to negotiate a partnership agreement for sustainable fishing with Morocco, accompanied by a protocol allowing European vessels access to Moroccan waters, as part of reorganizing fishing activities that have been suspended since 2023.
In a bid to mitigate the impact of these measures, Barachina held a meeting with representatives of the three fishermen’s unions in Valencia, during which he called for the suspension of some of the stricter guidelines, including the electronic data system aboard ships, which he described as burdensome for the sector. He advocated for a transitional period to avoid permanent damage.
The new system, which came into effect on January 10, mandates the declaration of all types of caught fish without exception, eliminating the previous minimum limit set at 50 kilograms, and requires vessels between 12 and 15 meters in length to determine their geographic location.
Professional unions view these requirements as added bureaucratic burdens that increase costs and heighten the risk of penalties, without effectively enhancing the monitoring of fishing activities.
According to the newspaper “La Razón,” sector experts have noted that the nature of daily artisanal fishing, which relies on speed and flexibility, complicates adherence to these regulations. They warned that rising costs and delays in supply could affect fish prices and grant Morocco a larger share of the European market for fresh fish.
Barachina emphasized that the Valencia Government’s actions aim primarily to protect local fishermen and ensure the sustainability of their activities, stressing that Morocco has become a central player in supplying the European fish market, necessitating a balance that protects Spanish fishermen’s interests without compromising the region’s food security.
