France’s Minister responsible for fisheries, Agnès Pannier-Runacher, has stated that French proposals for compensation for those affected by the month-long closure of the Bay of Biscay has been accepted by the European Commission.
Around 300 French fishing vessels over 8 metres in length are affected by the closure, plus there are knock-on effects along the chain of supply that hit auctions, suppliers and other industry sectors.
The minister stated that in order to cover losses as closely as possible, last year’s compensation rates will be renewed (80% for trawlers and 85% for gillnetters and seiners), and the options of monthly or quarterly periods as a compensation reference is confirmed.
This support system will be open from 21st February 2025 – at the end of the closure period.
‘This is an important step for the fishing and fish trade sector in the Bay of Biscay,’ Agnès Pannier-Runacher said, commenting that the industry is alongside the government in facing up to its responsibilities to protect marine mammals.
‘This is the meaning of this closure is to give us the means collectively to reopen the Bay of Biscay to fishing from 2027. The State stands alongside the industry and the stakeholders working to find lasting solutions to reduce accidental catches of dolphins,’ she stated, adding that last year’s closure showed a significant reduction in these accidental catches of cetaceans.
The Ministry of Ecological Transition, Biodiversity, Forests, the Sea and Fisheries states that everything possible is being done within France AgriMer to minimise the payment period for the sector, recognising that the industry will suffer significant losses in turnover. The Minister has also called on the banks to provide the best possible support to the sector in the coming months.
