‘Support Galicia’s small-scale fisheries’ – EFA MEP Ana Miranda to EU Commission

EFA MEP Ana Miranda of the Bloque Nacionalista Galego has today called for greater support for Galicia’s important small-scale fishing industry.  The call came after a debate in the European Parliament on the future of the sector.

An important sector for Galicia

Galicia is a country highly dependent on fisheries – and many people are employed in the small-scale sector.  The BNG has long called for the country’s artisanal fishers to be given a fairer deal and to receive adequate funding.

Speaking after the debate, Ms Miranda said:

“Galicia’s small-scale fishing sector is responsible for bringing high-quality food with low environmental impacts.  Galician women, for example, have been gathering shellfish for a long time – and this is an entirely sustainable industry which fully respects the marine ecosystem”.

More support needed

“Despite the industry’s importance, the sector is still not receiving sufficient support from the EU.  Galicia’s small-scale fishers should receive adequate funding and should be exempt from Brussels-imposed catch limits and quotas.”

“I fully support this important report in the European Parliament – and urge the Commission to implement the measures called for today because the small scale fisheries are really discriminated by the EU”

Ana Miranda MEP