Closure of the Bay of Biscay: Christophe Béchu announces the opening of a platform to compensate the fishing industry

After a month of closure of the Bay of Biscay, fishermen were able to return to sea last Wednesday. Since January 22, 450 vessels over 8 meters have been affected by a fishing ban, ordered by the Council of State, to avoid accidental captures of dolphins. A “massive blow” for fishermen, forced to live on their cash flow during this period. Guest of La Grande interview Europe 1-CNews this Wednesday, Christophe Béchu, Minister of Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion, announced the opening of a platform aimed at compensating them.

“A support rate between 80 and 85% of turnover”

“We have obtained a support rate which varies between 80 and 85% of turnover. The platform has been effective since yesterday to submit applications,” he declared. The Minister of Ecological Transition also announced future support for fishmongers. “The idea is that fish merchants can be supported up to 75% of their gross operating surplus losses,” he said.

“I am the minister, if I dare say, of the planet. Think that the objective of fishermen is to empty the sea, of fish or of species, that is lying to people. They are the first to be concerned by these subjects but there are cases in which the policies we pursue must help maintain ecological balances,” he justified in the face of the reactions of angry fishermen.

To request these compensation measures, go to the France Agrimer website. You have until March 31 to submit your application.

Around 9,000 common dolphins die each year from accidental capture

According to Ciem, the international scientific body of reference, around 9,000 common dolphins die each year by accidental capture on the French Atlantic coast, whereas we should not exceed 4,900 so as not to endanger the dolphin population. In 2020 and 2021, the bodies of stranded dolphins bore traces of death in fishing gear in 86% of cases, according to the Council of State.