Varna fishermen face eviction from Black Sea boat mooring site

Tensions have risen in Varna, Bulgaria, between local fishermen and the regional administration regarding the future of the ‘Cherno More’ boat mooring site. Approximately 30 fishing boats face displacement by mid-November following an order to vacate the premises, which has been used by the community for over 70 years.

Regional Governor Mario Smurkov stated that the land is private state property and that a definitive decision from the Supreme Administrative Court requires the site to be vacated. The administration further alleged that the site has been used without legal basis or rent payments for years and noted evidence of unregulated construction, such as concrete poured into the sea.

Fishermen, represented by Alexander Trapchev, have appealed all possible legal instances without success. They expressed concern for their livelihoods, noting that there is no alternative location to dock their vessels or store their equipment. While the administration claims there is unregulated construction, fishermen deny pouring concrete, asserting that the materials used are merely panel slabs.