As world leaders gathered in Rome to discuss skyrocketing food costs, strikes among Europe's fishermen have tried to bring attention to high fuel prices which they say could destroy the industry. Europe's fishermen say they have been left high and dry by increasing fuel costs. Since the beginning of 2008, marine fuel has jumped 30 percent. French fishermen began launching work stoppages and blockades three weeks ago. Since then, fishermen in Italy, Spain and Portugal have also gone on strike. There have been calls for governments to abolish the tax on diesel to bring down the prices and for more subsidies. In northern Spain, fishermen were in a dilemma. They can't continue to make a profit with high oil prices, but they also can't afford to stay home at the beginning of tuna season. Tuna brings in 80 percent of the revenue, said Patxi Martinez, a local boat owner.
Europe's fishermen say they have been left high and dry by increasing fuel costs. Since the beginning of 2008, marine fuel has jumped 30 percent.
French fishermen began launching work stoppages and blockades three weeks ago. Since then, fishermen in Italy, Spain and Portugal have also gone on strike. There have been calls for governments to abolish the tax on diesel to bring down the prices and for more subsidies.
In northern Spain, fishermen were in a dilemma. They can't continue to make a profit with high oil prices, but they also can't afford to stay home at the beginning of tuna season.
Tuna brings in 80 percent of the revenue, said Patxi Martinez, a local boat owner.
Or put your prices up, I know that sounds like madness but I thought price was reflective of costs + profit. Or buy a sailing smack.
but stop expecting oil proces to go down. stop expecting the government to subsidize your plundering. For christ sakes, get a bleeding grip, this is the 21st century and there is no more oil. You and your Dad burnt it all. Live with it. keep to the Fen Causeway
