Europêche has welcomed Portugal’s ADAPI as a new member, strengthening representation of European fisheries and vessel operators in EU fisheries policy discussions.
By integrating Association of Industrial Fishing Shipowners (ADAPI), Europêche aims to ensure the interests of Portuguese vessel operators are more effectively reflected in EU fisheries policy at a time of heightened regulatory and economic pressure.
“At a time of growing regulatory pressure, geopolitical instability and economic uncertainty, it is essential for the Portuguese fishing fleet to be fully engaged where key decisions are taken,” said Miguel Cunha, president of ADAPI.
Critical consideration
Fishing remains central to the culture, economy and identity of many European coastal communities, particularly in Portugal.
As the EU’s largest per-capita consumer of fish, Portugal relies on a resilient and competitive fishing sector to safeguard food security, ensure stable seafood supplies, including cod, or “bacalhau” and sustain the social and economic fabric of its coastal regions.
Europêche has highlighted these factors as critical considerations for future European fisheries and fisheries policy development.
ADAPI is the only national association representing fishing vessel owners at a nationwide level in Portugal. Its membership includes 52 coastal trawlers operating along the Portuguese and Spanish coasts, as well as seven long-distance trawlers active in international waters.
Javier Garat, President of Europêche, said the organisation will work closely with ADAPI to strengthen its collective voice in Brussels and defend vessel operators across all sea basins, ensuring Portuguese fleet concerns are effectively represented within EU fisheries policy frameworks.
