Cuts to fishing quotas in the western Mediterranean

Priority question for written answer P-002759/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Diana Riba i Giner (Verts/ALE)

The Commission has published its proposal on fishing quotas, entailing a further cut in fishing days in the Mediterranean Sea, Specifically, fishing days are to be reduced from 133 by between 20 and 28 days per boat in 2025. This proposal, which the Catalan fishing sector cannot possibly accept, will be debated in the Council on 9 and 10 December.

The Catalan fishing sector has actively cooperated by reducing working hours and days, marking out protected fishing zones and limiting fishing techniques and types of fishing gear. These changes have represented a great deal of effort on the part of Catalan fishers, thus demonstrating their commitment to socially and environmentally sustainable fishing. This approach has represented a major transformation for many localities in the western Mediterranean where fishing is the lifeblood of their local economy and society. In light of these circumstances, can the Commission say:

• 1.What analysis of the social and economic impact has the Commission conducted, and on what studies and data has it justified its proposal for such a harmful reduction for the Catalan fishing sector?
• 2.Which representatives of fishers operating in the western Mediterranean have been consulted?
• 3.Does it intend to involve representatives of the sector in the negotiations on the adaptation of the multiannual fisheries plan for the western Mediterranean?

Submitted: 4.12.2024