Drop in the productivity of shellfish gathering on the Galician coast: the case of the Arousa Estuary
29.1.2025
Question for written answer E-000392/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Ana Miranda Paz (Verts/ALE)
According to data from the shellfish gathering industry, the productivity of the Arousa Estuary in Galicia fell by almost 45 % in 2024, which implies an economic loss of almost EUR 16 million. This has an effect not only on the hundreds of direct jobs that this industry creates, but on the whole industrial supply chain.
Abnormally high sea temperatures and heavy and irregular rainfall are killing commercial species. The lack of protection from water pollution is also a factor in shellfish mortality. However, according to data, only around 20 % of funds from the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) are aimed at environmentally sustainable small-scale fishing.
Considering this:
- 1.Will the Commission take action to alleviate the difficult situation of the shellfish sector in the Arousa Estuary and on the Galician coast in general?
- 2.Does the Commission plan on restructuring the funding criteria to increase the percentage of EMFAF resources that are allocated to small-scale and traditional fishing activities, in order to tackle problems derived from shellfish mortality and loss of productivity?
Submitted: 29.1.2025