Manos Konsolas, Member of Parliament for the Dodecanese, submitted a parliamentary intervention to the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, presenting proposals to support fishermen engaged in pelagic fishing, following a meeting with the Ministry’s Secretary General Spyros Protopsaltis.
Mr. Konsolas focuses on three key issues:
- damage to fishing gear caused by dolphins and other protected species,
- changes in migration patterns of large fish and declining fish stocks,
- the redefinition of fishing periods for species such as swordfish and bluefin tuna, ensuring sustainability.
He notes that in November 2024 the State introduced, for the first time, compensation for damage to fishing nets caused by dolphins, turtles and seals, but stresses that compensation for vessels over 12 meters is insufficient and needs revision. He also proposes extending insurance coverage and compensation eligibility to all affected fishermen, in view of the upcoming reform of the ELGA regulation.
Regarding swordfish fishing, Mr. Konsolas suggests a targeted ban during the reproduction period only, instead of prolonged restrictions that heavily impact fishermen’s livelihoods.
