The Spanish National Federation of Cofradias (FNCP) has become the latest full member to join fishing trade organisation, Europêche.
The FNCP currently represents around 198 fishermen's associations ('cofradias'), 30,000 affiliates and 8,000 small-scale fishing vessel owners.
Daniel Voces, managing director of Europêche, said that increasing membership and cooperation represents a positive step for the European fishing sector and a stronger voice for the fishermen. "We truly look forward to supporting and closely collaborating with FNCP which will undoubtedly benefit the work of Europêche and the wider fishing industry," he said.
Much of the fleet FNCP represents are small-scale vessels and businesses which provide a vital source of food, jobs, trade and economic well-being. Indeed, in many coastal communities more than half of the local jobs are in the fishing sector. Basilio Otero, president of the FNCP, said, “These are difficult times for our fishermen. The fishing activity that characterises the small-scale fleets requires specific rules adapted to each region of Europe for its sustainable management and to guarantee a future for our fishermen."
Complex fisheries rules are negotiated and decided in Brussels. "It is therefore fundamental for our organisation to make sure that these are workable and designed as close as possible to the fisheries reality," said Mr Otero.
