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Adriatic Sea trawl fishing bans

Updated 3 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-08-23 15:51 UTC → 2026-08-24 10:29 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The Italian Ministry of Agriculture has implemented a series of mandatory fishing bans in the Adriatic Sea to facilitate species replenishment and sustainable resource management. A primary suspension, covering maritime compartments between San Benedetto del Tronto and Bari, began on August 16 and is scheduled to run until September 29. This phase prohibits the use of divergent trawling nets, rapid skimming, and twin divergent nets. The ban significantly impacts the Puglia region, which supports approximately 1,300 fishing and aquaculture businesses and over 2,000 vessels, representing an economic value of roughly 225 million euros. Industry representatives have voiced concerns regarding the economic pressure on the fleet. Davide Di Pinto, head of Coldiretti Pesca Puglia, noted that while marine protection is necessary, regulations must balance “environmental sustainability with economic viability” to protect coastal communities. The sector is already navigating challenges such as high energy costs, climate change, and foreign competition. In ~~anticipation of the August 16 closure,~~ addition to the ~~wholesale fish market~~ regulatory restrictions, fishermen in ~~San Benedetto del Tronto held its final auction on August 14, recording high prices for scampi (42.60 euros per kg), large sole (28.70 euros), and large squid (21.13 euros per kg). To support~~ the ~~local economy during the Ferragosto holiday, communities like Cesenatico have hosted traditional seafood events, such as~~ northern Marche region, specifically near Pesaro and Fano, are facing an emergency due to the ~~‘Rustida.’~~ presence of mucilage. These gelatinous masses, caused by microalgae and bacteria reacting to high water temperatures, are entangling fishing nets and making it impossible for small-scale fishers to operate, leading to further economic losses. Italian fish supplies are expected to be maintained through small-scale fishing, aquaculture, and fleets in non-restricted areas. Further bans are scheduled for the Brindisi, San Cataldo, and Otranto compartments from October 1 to October 30, 2026.

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