Mediterranean fishers call on EU to overhaul fishing‑day limits

Representatives of Mediterranean fisheries met in Palma de Mallorca to ask the European Commission to revise the EU fisheries management framework that was introduced six years ago. They argue that the current rules on motorized trawlers, which significantly cut the number of days vessels may fish, hurt the economic viability of fleets in Spain, Italy, France and Greece.

The fishermen say the blanket restrictions ignore regional differences in ecosystems and fishing practices, leading to reduced incomes and uncertainty for coastal communities. While supporting the goal of protecting fish stocks, they request a more flexible, science‑based approach that reflects local conditions. The groups plan to intensify lobbying of EU institutions in the coming weeks.