Greek Fishermen Protest Against the New European Fish Weighing Regulation - Fishermen across Greece launched protests at various ports opposing the implementation of the European regulation concerning the weighing of fishery products.

Specifically, fishermen are protesting against the enforcement of a European regulation that requires them to weigh their catch upon unloading at the port. They argue that this measure is impractical, creates numerous issues, and poses health risks.

They are also protesting against the mandatory installation of cash registers and POS systems on fishing boats.

Hundreds of vessels, from small boats to large trawlers and purse seiners, filled the Thessaloniki waterfront on Wednesday afternoon (02.04.2025) stretching from the White Tower to the port, as part of the demonstration.

Fishermen emphasize that this regulation, which they are fighting to abolish, affects 10,000 small and large fishing vessels across Greece.
According to them, their mobilizations, taking place in all ports and fish markets, began today and will continue until the issue is resolved.


Giannis Daniilidis - Member of the Board of the Association of Coastal Fishing Vessel Owners and Fishing Tourism

"This is an absurd and crushing legislation that is destroying us.

They are forcing us to weigh our catch in an additional, different way. The sea is calm now, but what if the weather changes before I enter the port? What are we supposed to do with these small boats? Should we risk drowning to weigh the fish? Should we lose our livelihoods? Should we lose our lives?

We are not asking to avoid inspections—we are already being monitored—but this new weighing method is completely unreasonable. Am I supposed to wait outside the port for the coast guard to weigh the fish while being exposed to the weather? Should I gamble with my life just to wait for them to come and weigh our catch?"