Formentera’s fishermen say the island’s growing tourism pressure, and particularly the increasing number of recreational boats along its coastline, has become one of the main threats to the survival of the local fishing industry.
The warning comes from the Formentera Fishermen’s Association (Cofradía de Pescadores de Formentera), according to a press release issued by the political group Eivissa i Formentera al Senat.
Ibiza and Formentera senator Neus Massanet Florit met last week with Iván Pérez Marí, a member of the Balearic Federation of Fishermen’s Associations and vice-president of the National Federation of Fishermen’s Associations. During the meeting, he outlined the main concerns currently facing professional fishermen on the island.
These include the lack of economic viability of fishing vessels, mainly due to rising fuel prices; the increasing occupation of coastal waters by recreational boats and maritime traffic; and fishing policies which, according to the professionals, do not sufficiently take into account the specific circumstances of islands such as Formentera.
Massanet pledged to raise these issues with the Spanish Senate’s Fisheries Committee, of which she is a member.
More distance, higher costs and greater risks for fishermen
Pérez warned that Formentera “has a capacity limit” and cannot continue to grow indefinitely.
According to him, the high number of recreational boats, charter vessels, private boats and maritime traffic in general is forcing professional fishermen to move further away from areas where they have traditionally carried out their work.
This displacement means higher operating costs and greater risks for fishermen, as they have to travel further to reach their traditional fishing grounds.
Pérez welcomed the new regulations requiring qualifications to operate certain recreational vessels. He also argued that boat speeds along the coastline should be reduced and called for progress towards a different and more environmentally sustainable model for nautical tourism.
Fuel costs rise from €450 to €1,150 to fill a boat
For Formentera’s fishermen, however, the most immediate concern is the economic viability of the fishing industry.
Operating costs have risen significantly in recent years, particularly because of the increase in fuel prices.
According to figures provided by the Fishermen’s Association, filling the tanks of a fishing boat cost around €450 approximately three years ago. Today, a similar refuelling operation can cost as much as €1,150.
The sector has access to financial support from the Balearic Islands Government, although fishermen say the application process can be difficult because of the requirements involved, including certain minimum turnover thresholds.
There are currently around 14 or 15 fishing vessels still operating in Formentera.
Fishing catches increased by 35% in 2024
The Fishermen’s Association representative also defended the fishing management model developed in Formentera, highlighting what he described as the healthy condition of local fish stocks.
Around 170 tonnes of fish were caught during 2024, according to figures provided by the fishermen. That represents an increase of approximately 35% compared with the previous year.
The situation is also creating an unexpected effect. Pérez said that fishing vessels from Alicante have shown an interest in travelling to Formentera’s waters precisely because of the availability of fishing resources.
Against this backdrop, the fishermen’s representative called for the management efforts made by Formentera’s local fishing sector over many years to deliver a return to the community and for those efforts to receive appropriate protection.
The aim, he said, is to ensure a future for professional fishing on the island while preserving the resources on which the sector depends.
