Fishing in Castellón is facing an unprecedented crisis due to the high prices of diesel. Manuel Peña, general manager of the Castellón Fishermen’s Guild, explains that fuel is more expensive than ever, which makes the accounts not add up. Trawlers, which consume between 600 and 1,200 liters daily, pay between 700 and 1,400 euros per day just for fuel, which represents an unsustainable financial burden. This problem affects 59 boats in the province, which has led people to feel disillusioned and frustrated, according to Peña.
Diesel fuel is not the only cost that weighs on the economy of fishermen. In addition to Social Security contributions, food and maintenance tasks, sailors face a reality where even going out to work can result in losses. Luis García, secretary of the Federation of Fishermen’s Guilds of Castellón, highlights that some boats are opting to save working days for Christmas, which indicates the seriousness of the situation. The priority of the sector is to ensure the continuity of fishing activity and maintain jobs, not reduce trips to sea.
The crisis in fishing in Castellón is not exclusive to the province. In Alicante, confraternities such as that of Villajoyosa have also sounded the alarm, demanding urgent measures to ensure the continuity of fishing activity. The sector is calling for an immediate response to a situation that has exceeded the limit of what is acceptable. Trawlers, in particular, are being severely affected, which has led people to feel overwhelmed and desperate.
In response to the crisis, the sector is calling for urgent measures to mitigate the impact of fuel. The main demand is that continuing to fish remains economically sustainable. Sailors are expecting an immediate response that will allow both the vessels and jobs to be maintained. The situation is critical, and the sector fears that without a rapid intervention, fishing activity in Castellón could be severely affected.