Brussels, Dec 11 (EFE).– European Union fisheries ministers have agreed on fishing quotas for 2025 in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, striking a balance between sustainability and the socioeconomic needs of the industry.
The deal introduces compensatory measures to mitigate the impact on fleets, particularly in the Mediterranean, following contentious negotiations.
The agreement was finalized despite initial resistance from Spain regarding a proposed reduction in fishing days in the Mediterranean, which the European Commission introduced in November.
“The agreements reached at the AGRIFISH Council will allow to maintain fish stocks at sustainable levels and protect the marine environment while also considering the viability of the sector,» the Hungarian presidency of the EU Council wrote on X.
Mediterranean Fishing Quotas
In the western Mediterranean, ministers agreed to reduce trawling efforts by 66 percent in Spanish and French waters and by 38 percent in French and Italian waters. The reductions aim to protect demersal fish stocks while minimizing socioeconomic impacts on fleets.
European Fisheries Commissioner Costas Kadis explained that a compensation mechanism was introduced to alleviate the effects of reduced fishing days. Fishermen who commit to sustainable practices, including using selective fishing methods and innovative tools, will qualify for increased fishing days.
“For instance, using nets with 15-millimeter mesh under specific conditions could earn a 50 percent increase in fishing days,” Kadis said. He noted that 12 compensatory measures are available, allowing fishermen to potentially maintain nearly the same number of fishing days as this year.
The European Maritime, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Fund will provide financial support to help fishermen implement these measures.
“This agreement tackles high fishing mortality, secures long-term livelihoods for fishermen, and supports the recovery of fish populations,” Kadis added, acknowledging the complexity of the negotiations and emphasizing their focus on balancing social, economic, and environmental concerns.
Atlantic and North Sea Quotas
The ministers also agreed on 16 sustainable catch limits in the Atlantic and North Sea. Kadis highlighted that the agreement enhances the EU’s sustainability record while aligning with the Common Fisheries Policy’s goals.
Spain’s Position
Spain had opposed the initial proposal, which called for a 79 percent reduction in fishing days for Spanish trawlers in the Mediterranean, limiting their activity to just 27 days annually.
Spanish Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Luis Planas had labeled the proposal “clearly unacceptable” ahead of the meetings.
Planas on Wednesday hailed the «good outcome» of the agreement on fishing opportunities for 2025, calling it a significant achievement for Spain.
The minister emphasized that the agreement allows Mediterranean fleets to maintain the same number of fishing days as in 2024, provided they implement measures outlined in the agreed compensation mechanism.
«I believe Spain has achieved strong results in both the Atlantic and Mediterranean,» he said at a press conference following two days of negotiations in Brussels among EU fisheries ministers. EFE
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