A new horizon for fishing in Tarragona
The Tarragona Fishermen's Guild is taking decisive steps towards the creation of a workshop that will transform and add value to local fish, an initiative that aims not only to revitalise the fishing sector but also to ensure its long-term sustainability. This project is part of a technical feasibility and diversification study being carried out by the City Council, with the expectation of completing it by July.
The Port of Tarragona will play a crucial role in this development by financing the necessary equipment through Next Generation funds, with an estimated investment of 1 million euros. The Minister of Fishing, Òscar Ordeig, has emphasised that this initiative will allow fishermen to improve their profit margins and ensure job continuity within the sector.
The possibilities for the workshop are wide-ranging and include everything from cooked dishes to preserves and gourmet products. The City Council's Economic Promotion Councillor, Montse Adan, has indicated that during the last quarter of the year, the most viable options will be evaluated after the study concludes. “Fishermen are not alone; we have the responsibility as administrations to support them,” Adan stated.
Despite the optimism generated by these initiatives, challenges persist. The president of the Guild, Esteve Ortiz, has pointed out that although white fish currently has good prices, blue fish remains a concern due to difficult years. In this context, Ordeig has emphasised the urgent need to defend fishing days before European institutions and has expressed his willingness to carry this fight to the bitter end.
The Tarragona fish market is one of the nerve centres of fish trade in Spain; in 2025, nearly 1.3 million kilos of fish were auctioned with revenues exceeding 9 million euros. However, it is alarming that in the last decade, the local fishing fleet has decreased by more than 30%. Despite this, the guild remains fundamental to the regional blue economy thanks to the added value it brings to both the market and local restaurants.
The future of the Tarragona fishing sector now depends more than ever on the success of the proposed workshop and the ongoing support from both local and regional government.
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