Fishermen and consumers will have to be patient - fishing ban on oily fish in force

A fishing ban on sardines and other oily fish popular on Croatian tables came into effect on January 1. Here's how citizens and fishermen are reacting to the temporary suspension.

After a hearty holiday feast, many people reached for a lighter meal and headed out to get fish.

However, with the first days of the new year, a fishing ban on oily fish came into force, including one of the most sought-after on Croatian tables - sardines.

“It's a shame that there is a fishing ban and that it won't be for a month because we really need it now. In the summer, we need the same, but now it's best, because of the abundance of food and everything, to clean ourselves up a bit and regenerate, as much as we can,” say Ljilja Maria and Slavica.

The fishing ban lasts for 30 days

As announced by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the fishing ban lasts for 30 days. During this period, fishing vessels are not allowed to carry out any fishing activity and must remain tied up in the port.

“The temporary suspension of fishing, which is being implemented from January 1 to 30 this year, is being implemented as state aid, and after notification by the European Commission. A sufficient amount has been secured for its implementation, which is estimated to be around 4 million euros. All applications that will be submitted and that will meet all the prescribed conditions will be paid,” they announced.

They also point out that applications for support were submitted in writing until December 31.

Of the approximately 140 users - to whom the temporary suspension of purse seine fishing applies - 10% of them are from the Istrian region.

“A lot of new fish have appeared, which is visible because there are a lot of small fish, especially in the prohibited area along the western coast of Istria. There are a lot of these small fish and we hope that tuna and dolphins will not destroy them all. It all depends on the weather and what kind of fish they will be. We hope that there will be a little more of these quantities so that the ships at sea can survive,” said Neven Lorencin, president of the Fishermen's Guild of Istria County.

Now, it seems, everyone has to be a little patient - both those who catch fish and those who look for it. And the sea, as always, will eventually give its answer.

Source: HRT