Fisherman in Spain continued their strike on Tuesday protesting proposed European cuts that would largely restrict the number of days they can fish in the Mediterranean.
The European Union wants to decrease the number of fishing days for Mediterranean trawlers by 79% in an effort to improve fish stocks and protect biodiversity.
Protesters argue that these cuts would badly harm Spain’s economy and damage the fishing industry. They also believe the EU’s plan is based on flawed data and does not take local fishermen’s concerns into account.
On the second day of the protest, some of the Spanish fisherman gathered in front of the European Commission building in Madrid demanding the proposal being negotiated in Brussels to be stopped.
The proposal of the European Commission would reduce the current 130 days a year trawlers can currently spend at sea to 27.
Hundreds gathered in Madrid against the proposal. In Spanish ports such as Andalusia, Murcia, Valencia, Catalonia and beyond, fisherman and fish markets have stopped in protest.
The demonstration has been promoted by Spain’s National Federation of Fishermen’s Guilds and the Shipowners’ Association Cepesca who denounce that, if the proposal goes ahead, trawling in the Mediterranean will disappear.
Representatives within the fishing industry agree that the proposal could lead to the disappearance of trawling. The field reportedly employs around 3,000 people on board and generates a further 17,000 jobs indirectly.
