The National Association of Professional Fishermen of Montenegro is expressing strong dissatisfaction with their current situation and is urging the government and the relevant ministry to address their demands. Their main requests include the establishment of a dedicated fishing port, a reduction of VAT on the purchase of new boats and repair materials.
Fishermen highlight the lack of a proper fishing port as one of their biggest problems, blaming the government and Ministry of Agriculture for the issue. The Ministry of Agriculture stated that they are preparing documentation for building a fishing port in Ulcinj. However, they noted problems with the Lazure marina in Meljine, where the investor allegedly did not fulfill contractual obligations regarding the construction of a fishing port.
The fishermen also demand a complete exemption from VAT on imported fishing vessels and materials, arguing that they pay much higher prices compared to other countries like Thailand, Italy, and Croatia. The Ministry of Finance has rejected this request previously but the fishermen plan to insist on it.
Both the Ministry and fishermen agree that cruise ships in the Bay of Kotor have scared away fish, significantly reducing catches. They are currently negotiating compensation for these losses with the Ministry of Maritime Affairs.
If their demands are not met, fishermen warn of radical measures, including blocking cruise ships in the Bay of Kotor to draw attention to their plight.
Additionally, the fishermen seek cheaper fuel prices. Most of the fleet is outdated and requires extensive repairs. The government offers a project called Midas, which allows fishermen to recover up to 80% of repair costs, but some fishermen lack the financial means to fund these repairs themselves.
