Resource management, fuel prices and competition from foreign fleets posed pressing issues for French fishermen and other actors in the maritime industry gathered in Cherbourg. He informs about it “Armenpress”citing Eronews.
In April, fishermen protested against high fuel prices. The recently signed framework agreement between Iran and the United States has given fishermen hope for lower energy prices. In May, fuel costs accounted for up to 60% of shipowners’ turnover. As a result, some have had to cut back on their cruises. In this situation, the French government took measures in April to support French fishing companies.
A fuel subsidy of 20 cents per liter was introduced in April, and 35 cents per liter in May. According to the government, a total of 13 million euros are planned to be allocated to compensate for fuel costs in the fishing sector in April and May.
Small-scale fishermen hope that the French coastal zone will soon be closed to vessels over 25 meters in length. Fishing in the Bay of Biscay on the Atlantic coast could be temporarily banned as early as next year to protect dolphins. Fishermen are calling for measures to modernize and decarbonize the fishing fleet.
