Carlos Mazón, President of the Generalitat, has expressed strong opposition to the European Union’s decision to reduce fishing days from 133 to 27. He warns that this drastic reduction will devastate the fishing sector, causing an annual economic loss of 85 million euros and eliminating 4,000 direct and indirect jobs in the Valencian Community.
Mazón highlighted the severe economic and social consequences, noting that the trawling fleet, consisting of over 201 vessels and more than 700 crew members, will be directly affected. Additionally, the small fishing fleet, with 250 vessels and around 600 crew members, will struggle to survive without trawling.
The economic impact extends beyond the fishing sector to fisheries associations, fish markets, wholesalers, fishmongers, and a large business network dependent on this industry. Mazón emphasised the “domino effect” on related sectors, including naval mechanics, net makers, caulkers, shipyards, hospitality, and tourism, due to the loss of quality fresh fish.
He stressed that this economic chain supports jobs, a way of life, and a deeply rooted tradition in coastal municipalities. The reduction in fishing days could have irreversible effects, making it difficult to recover the productive fabric if dismantled.
