Fishermen’s organisations across Europe have reacted furiously to the perceived threat of an all-out ban on trawl fishing following resolutions adopted by the European Parliament as part of the Biodiversity Strategy for 2030
‘We share the concerns of many fishermen about European policies of continuous limitations on activities that threaten the survival of fishing companies and their crews,’ states Italian industry body Federpesca.
‘In recent months we have already repeatedly criticised the attack on trawl fishing, and in particular we have deplore the words of European Commissioner Sinkevicius, defining trawl fishing as the most harmful activity ever to the marine environment.’
This demonises a sector that has been guaranteeing daily the supply of quality products on the tables of European citizens for years, according to Federpesca, which goes on the state that the industry is subject to a constant reduction of fishing days, unfair competition from other fleets, plus a reduction in turnover and the number of vessels, all of which affects the sustainability of businesses.
‘For these reasons we believe that it is essential that united action by all fishing organisations provides this sector with a voice, and that its social and food production values are respected,’ Federpesca’s spokesperson said.
