Artisanal fishing boats will go on strike on Monday to protest against EU policies

The artisanal fishing fleet will strike next Monday in protest against the new obligations imposed on the fishing sector, which they describe as disproportionate and ineffective. However, the Balearic Federation of Fishermen's Associations has indicated that an indefinite strike is not out of the question. According to them, the sector has submitted objections to the General Secretariat of Fisheries, arguing that the rigid application of the new control obligations stemming from Regulation (EU) 2023/2842 is causing serious operational, economic, and safety problems for the artisanal fleet. They stated that these regulations were designed without considering the daily realities of artisanal and coastal fishing and could have the opposite effect of what is intended. They warned of legal uncertainty, loss of profitability, deterioration of fresh fish, and an unnecessary increase in risks at sea.

The federation referred to the imposition of a four-hour advance notification requirement for arrival in port, noting that it is practically impossible for vessels operating on shifts of less than 24 hours and working close to the coast. "Many boats are being forced to remain stationary at sea, just minutes from port, simply to complete an administrative procedure. This makes no sense, reduces revenue, worsens the quality of the fish, and puts crews at risk," they stated. They added that this requirement violates the principle of proportionality, contradicts the very principles of the European regulation, and clashes with maritime safety regulations, which give absolute priority to the captain's professional judgment and the protection of human life at sea.