Catalonia's fishing industry halves in a decade, with fleet falling below 600 boats

Catalonia has seen a dramatic decline in its maritime fishing industry over the past decade, losing half of its catch, according to data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.

In 2023, only 16,500 tonnes of fish were caught, compared to 32,000 tonnes in 2013. This is in stark contrast to the 1990s, when annual catches ranged from 40,000 to 60,000 tonnes, before stabilizing around 30,000 tonnes at the turn of the century.

The decline in fishing volume has also impacted the industry's economic output. In 2023, the total value of the catch was nearly €90 million, a 9% decrease from the previous year. Before 2020, the annual value consistently exceeded €100 million.

A reduction in fishing activity has played a significant role in this downturn; in 2020, fishing operations fell by 20% compared to the previous year. Instead of rebounding after the pandemic, the sector has continued its downward trend.

The number of fishing vessels in Catalonia has steadily decreased as well. Two decades ago, nearly 1,400 boats were active, but by 2023, the fleet had shrunk to 617.

As of September 2024, the number of active vessels hit a new low of 597, and further reductions are expected.

The Ebre region remains the hub of Catalonia's fishing fleet, with the port of La Ràpita hosting the largest concentration of boats, totaling 95.

In terms of catch composition, bluefish species, such as anchovies and sardines, dominate the industry, accounting for over half of the total volume.

Whitefish species, including hake and monkfish, make up a quarter of the catch, followed by crustaceans like crabs, prawns, and mantis shrimp.

However, cephalopods - such as octopus, cuttlefish and squid - have seen particularly steep declines, with catches falling by more than 50% over the past decade to just 1,200 tons by 2023.

Catalan fishers protest EU fishing restrictions

Catalonia's fishing industry came to a standstill on Monday as fishers launched a two-day strike to protest proposed European Union regulations that would limit their days at sea to just 28 annually. Such a limit would mean a reduction of 79% of what they are allowed to work.

Many fishers traveled to Madrid to join national protests, while others held rallies in Catalan coastal towns, including La Ràpita, Tarragona, Palamós, and Blanes.

Josep Gras, a trawler owner, expressed his frustrations: "Reducing us to 28 fishing days a year is unsustainable. It's an economic and social catastrophe for our community."

Gras views EU policymakers as disconnected from the realities of small-scale fishing. He warned that such policies would decimate local economies dependent on the fishing industry.

Protesters across Catalonia called for a moratorium on the proposed 2025 restrictions.