The sector points out that despite efforts to preserve the marine environment over the last thirty years, they have only faced legislative restrictions. They believe that European directives are suffocating the primary sector and demand legislation that considers the unique characteristics of the Mediterranean.
“"Every time he goes fishing, he has to spend two hours doing paperwork. The regulation is not designed for artisanal fishing, and the Mediterranean fleet is treated as if it were industrial fishing."
The senior skipper of the Blanes Fishermen's Guild, Ferran Martínez, detailed that the measure is unfeasible due to the lack of scales on board and the impossibility of implementing digital systems at sea because of poor coverage. This situation, according to Martínez, severely harms generational replacement and could lead to the disappearance of fishing boats.
“"What this regulation does, in its most philosophical part, is treat us almost like criminals. They want us to register all our activities in the middle of the sea."
The fishermen's concentrations took place in the main ports of each territory. In Catalonia, the protest points were Blanes and La Ràpita. The fishing sector in the Valencian Country concentrated in Santa Pola, while dozens of professionals also gathered in Palma to raise their voices against the new legislation.
