Spanish fishermen launched a two-day strike on Monday to oppose proposed European Union fishing quotas that could drastically reduce their days at sea in the Mediterranean, sparking fears of economic collapse in the industry.
The EU plan, aimed at enhancing fish stocks and biodiversity, would slash the annual fishing days for Mediterranean trawlers from 130 to just 27. It also includes a 30% reduction in red shrimp catch limits, measures that fishermen say threaten their livelihoods and cultural heritage.
Protests erupted in Madrid, where industry representatives gathered outside the European Commission building, branding the proposal a “death sentence.”
“This plan would destroy an invaluable cultural, social, and economic tradition,” said Isabel Lopez of the Mazarron fishermen’s guild, as she delivered a manifesto on behalf of the protesters.
The fishing sector estimates the proposed restrictions could lead to the loss of approximately 17,000 jobs, directly and indirectly, as well as the closure of 556 trawler operations across the Mediterranean. Protesters also criticized the EU for using what they claimed were flawed data and ignoring the realities of local fishing communities.
Spanish Agriculture Minister Luis Planas described the proposal as “radical” and “economically nons
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