Hidden costs and propped-up profits: unraveling the economics of Europe’s purse-seine tuna fishing industry

Despite tuna fisheries’ global economic significance and contributions to food security and trade, we find that without substantial subsidies, notably fuel tax exemptions and fishing access agreement fees supported by public funds from the European Union, the European purse seine tuna industry would be highly unprofitable. Between 2010 and 2023, EUR 2.1 B in subsidies were funnelled into the sector (EUR 179.4 M from fishing access agreements, and EUR 1.9 B from fuel tax concessions), masking underlying financial issues and commercial non-viability. French companies reported continuous losses in recent years, even with these subsidies. Spanish firms performed better, likely due to complex ownership structures that facilitate tax optimization strategies, lower operating costs, and increased access to fishing grounds and seafood markets. Additionally, the sector’s economic survival appears to come at the expense of working conditions and pay, environmental sustainability, and legal compliance, including wage suppression and fishing violations. This research highlights the urgent need for policy reform in the European tuna fishing industry, addressing the reliance on harmful subsidies and the intensification of labor exploitation as a means to avoid economic unviability. The abolishment of harmful subsidies, sustainable fishing practices, and fairer employment conditions must be integrated to prevent a looming crisis that threatens ecological systems, economic stability and livelihoods.