The crisis in the fishing sector is aggravated by the lack of generational support and unfair competition
The Catalan fishing sector is in a critical situation. According to the data of the Catalan Federation of Fishermen’s Guilds, more than half of the jobs in this activity have been lost in the last ten years. The reasons are diverse: low profitability, lack of generational relief, unfair competition from third countries and environmental restrictions.
A hard and undervalued job
Catalan fishermen complain that their job is hard and not valued by society. They have to work long hours, in adverse conditions and with prices that do not cover production costs. In addition, they have to deal with European regulations that limit catch quotas and days out to sea. Many young people do not want to follow the family tradition and prefer to look for other, more attractive and safer work alternatives.
Unfair and unsustainable competition
Catalan fishermen also complain that they have to compete with products imported from third countries that do not meet the same quality, health and sustainability standards as their own. These products are offered at much lower prices than the local market, but have a negative impact on the environment and human rights. Fishermen demand more controls and labeling to guarantee traceability and information to the consumer.
An opportunity to recover the sector
Despite the crisis, the Catalan fishing sector has the potential to reverse the situation and regain its role as a supplier of healthy and quality food. For this reason, it is necessary to bet on innovation, training, diversification and the promotion of local products. It is also necessary to promote responsible and conscious consumption, which takes into account the social and environmental benefits of artisanal and sustainable fishing. This is the proposal defended by the Benvinguts a Pagès project, which returns this year to bring producers and consumers together and show the reality of the Catalan primary sector.