The ban on fishing in French waters of the Bay of Bizkaia comes into force

This Monday begins the ban on fishing in French waters of the Bay of Biscay imposed by the French Government, which will last until February 20, and which aims to protect dolphins during their mating season. The Spanish Government has joined France’s decision and will also prohibit fishing, although at the moment it has not detailed the closure period, or how many boats the measure will affect.

The Basque farmers have been angry and concerned with the decision. Only in the port of Ondarroa Two trawlers are going to have to stop completely from Monday, and two others are going to see their fishing area very restricted. Specifically, they will stop going to the hake, monkfish or rooster fishing grounds, which is why they warn that supply will be reduced, they say, and prices will rise. As things stand, they estimate that around 120,000 kilos of fish will no longer arrive.

French fishermen will receive aid worth 80% of the losses, while arrantzales have criticized that The Government of Spain will only insure 25% of the losses.

The temporary ban on fishing, in any case, responds to a historical claim by environmental groups and also by the EU to protect dolphins.

“It can raise prices”

The Basque Minister of Economic Development, Sustainability and Environment, Arantxa Tapia, explained this past weekend that the measure will affect four Basque deep-sea vessels and “may raise prices.”

Tapia has warned that one of the species that could be affected is hake, although “there will not be a shortage.” “Now, perhaps the catches are somewhat smaller and consequently the price could rise,” he added.

In this sense, Tapia has acknowledged that the Basque Executive will carry out a “very in-depth” analysis and monitoring “of what may be happening in the Pasaia fish market area, which is where most of this can be sold and transacted.” type of fish.”

On the other hand, and given the possibility of possible “extensions” of the ban, he has recognized that it will have to be assessed “how to preserve dolphins and at the same time be able to fish sustainably“. “If the ban extends over time or years is an issue that we will have to evaluate and analyze,” he added.