Anxiety is mounting in Catalonia: unless the European Union grants additional fishing days, the usual selection of fresh fish may be missing from store shelves during the 2025 winter holidays. Regional authorities are calling for urgent changes in Brussels’ policy to prevent shortages and support local fishermen, for whom the situation is becoming critical.
The problem is compounded by the fact that many fishing vessels in Tarragona, Barcelona, and along the Costa Brava have already used up all their permitted days at sea. This means that many crews will be forced to stand idle until the end of the year, while the local market will have to make do with imports. Authorities note that the replacement of local products with fish from other countries is becoming increasingly noticeable, worrying not only consumers but also the fishermen themselves.
The European Commission is considering granting additional fishing days, but no decision has been made yet. Meanwhile, industry representatives fear that any relief might come too late. If fishermen leave the profession, it will be almost impossible to bring them back, which could mean the loss of entire generations of specialists and the closure of historic fishing guilds.
A focus on sustainability and change in the industry
In recent years, Catalonia’s fishing enterprises have been actively adopting eco-friendly technologies, modernizing their fleets, and focusing on sustainable development. However, despite efforts to minimize environmental impact, fishermen are still bearing the brunt of meeting European requirements. Regional officials believe that the responsibility for preserving the Mediterranean ecosystem should be more balanced so as not to jeopardize the very existence of the industry.
For now, local authorities warn that without swift action from the European Union, the situation could spiral out of control. If the restrictions remain in place, by Christmas 2025 Catalans risk being left without their traditional seafood delicacies, while fishermen could lose their jobs and future.
