In the city of Ferrol, a job training program is equipping new fishmongers to address the generational gap in the industry. Among the trainees are Cubans with maritime backgrounds, who view this as a genuine opportunity to secure employment in Galicia.
A report by G24 News highlights students mastering skills like scaling, filleting, and cleaning fish under the guidance of Elsa, a professional peixeira who serves as the course instructor.
One participant stands out due to his extensive experience: "In Cuba, I spent 12 years working on a longline fishing vessel," he confidently shared on camera, showcasing his familiarity with the maritime world.
Meanwhile, some students are starting from scratch. "I've never handled fish before, but I do like it," another trainee confessed.
A Cuban woman expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "I've always worked in an office or hotel. Now I want to see people enjoying fish that's been prepared and cleaned by me... And why not? Of course, they'll hire me!"
This program is a response to a structural crisis in the industry. According to Fedepesca, Spain's fish market numbers have dwindled from over 15,000 in 2007 to just 9,800 today. Per capita fish consumption has also plummeted from 26.4 kg annually in 2014 to an anticipated 17.8 kg in 2025, marking a 32.5% decrease.
Challenges and Opportunities in Galicia's Fish Industry
In Galicia, the decline is similarly stark. Consumption has decreased by nine kilograms per person annually over the last decade, with most fish now arriving pre-processed from large retailers.
The involvement of Cubans in these initiatives is not incidental. Cuba ranks third in terms of Galician-origin residents, with nearly 50,000 citizens, trailing only Argentina and Brazil.
The Xunta de Galicia promotes the Galicia Returns Strategy, a program offering 175 million euros and 37 measures for training and job placement, including the Retorna Cualifica Emprego initiative, allowing Galician descendants to arrive with jobs secured from their home country.
Public Concerns and Industry Demands
The report also sparked online debate. Several users claimed to have completed similar courses without finding employment.
"I took the course over two years ago and am still waiting for them to call me. They have you complete the course and the internships for free, then send you home," one user commented.
The industry calls for more comprehensive training that includes management and marine biology, not just fish processing, along with public policies to counteract declining consumption, now focused on just four species: salmon, cephalopods, and aquaculture varieties.
There are fewer than 20,000 fishmongers left in Spain, and the profession continues to struggle to attract local youth. This situation makes immigrants with seafaring experience, such as Cubans trained in deep-sea fishing, ideal candidates to fill this gap.
Addressing the Shortage in Spain's Fishing Sector
Why is there a shortage of fishmongers in Spain?
The shortage is due to a combination of a generational gap, declining consumption rates, and a lack of interest from local youth, leading to fewer than 20,000 professionals remaining in the field.
How are Cuban immigrants contributing to the fishing industry in Galicia?
Cuban immigrants, with their maritime experience, are filling the gap left by the local workforce, participating in training programs and bringing valuable skills to the industry.