Spain: Renewing artisanal fleet to drive sustainable fishing and energy transition

by Eurofish
small fishing vessels

The Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food have emphasised the importance of renewing the small-scale coastal fleet in order to foster its transition to renewable energy. Speaking at the Third International Congress of Small-Scale Artisanal Fishing in Cádiz in October, Isabel Artime, Secretary General for Fisheries, highlighted the need to restructure the EU funds to support the renewal of Spain’s artisanal fishing fleet. She stressed that this fleet is one of the oldest in the country—with an average age of 39 years compared to the 25-year average of other types of vessels—requires modernisation to advance the energy transition. The artisanal fleet, known for its low emissions and crucial role in local economies, consumes just 4% of the fuel used by Spain’s fishing fleet but generates 10% of the income. It also employs about one-third of all Spanish fishermen.

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The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food views artisanal fishing as an essential pillar for maintaining Spain’s coastal social fabric. Given that 71% of Spanish vessels measure under 12 meters, the fleet largely operates in local waters supplying fresh products to regional markets and supporting local households and the hospitality sector. This low-emission fleet structure helps stabilise populations in smaller coastal towns, allowing economic development outside major urban areas and contributing to the sustainable growth of these communities. The renewal of the artisanal fleet will strengthen both environmental and social sustainability in coastal areas. Ms. Artime also affirmed Spain’s commitment to scientific practices in fisheries management, to improving the working conditions of men and women at sea, and to fighting illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

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