⚓️🇪🇺 Spanish fishing fleet strikes against EU regulations

Oneliner

On January 19, 2026, the Spanish fishing fleet launched a nationwide strike against new EU regulations requiring a four-hour notice before entering port and catch recording from 'kilogram zero'. The National Federation of Fishing Guilds (FNCP) is protesting these measures, citing impracticality and potential fines. A meeting with the Ministry of Agriculture aims to negotiate changes to the regulations, which are already in effect. The Ministry acknowledges the sector's concerns and seeks to advocate for more flexible rules with the European Commission.

Key points

• Nationwide strike by Spanish fishing fleets protesting new EU regulations.
• Key issues include a four-hour notice requirement and catch recording from 'kilogram zero'.
• Ministry of Agriculture seeks to negotiate changes with the European Commission.
• Fishermen warn of potential fines and operational challenges due to the new rules.

Links

• 20minutos: La flota pesquera va a la huelga este lunes y se manifiesta en Madrid contra las nuevas medidas de control
• ABC: La flota pesquera andaluza paraliza su actividad en protesta por las nuevas medidas de control de la UE
• elDiario: Los pescadores catalanes se plantan ante la nueva normativa de la UE: "Es imposible cumplir con lo que nos piden"

Facts

• The strike began on January 19, 2026.
• The new EU regulations include a four-hour notice requirement and catch recording from 'kilogram zero'.
• Fines for misreporting catches could reach up to €42,000.
• The Ministry of Agriculture is led by Luis Planas.
• The National Federation of Fishing Guilds (FNCP) represents the interests of fishers.

Quotes

• The registration of catches from kilogram zero is impossible: fishing vessels are always moving — Basilio Otero, FNCP President.
• If we have a small-gear vessel that usually operates very close to the coast to fish for octopus and works for 3 hours, it must wait another hour before entering port — Javier Garat, Cepesca Secretary General.

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