October 31, 2025
What is Engine Power Fraud and why does it matter?
Engine power fraud is an increasingly concerning issue in the fishing industry, particularly in the Mediterranean. It refers to the deliberate underreporting of the actual engine power of fishing vessels, allowing operators to use more powerful engines than permitted by law.
The length of the Problem: The case of the Spanish Mediterranean
Oceana’s research found that 94% of vessels analysed in the Spanish Mediterranean allegedly operate with engines significantly higher than their certified power, with 20% of them directly exceeding the established legal limits. This fraud creates a vicious cycle; more powerful vessels deploy larger nets and catch more fish, depleting stocks, which in turn pressures fishers to increase their capacity to stay competitive and maintain their income.
The findings reveal a systematic and persistent problem, not limited to vessel owners, but also involving fisheries administrations, engine manufacturers and installers, and certification bodies. At the same time, Oceana urges competent authorities to stop turning a blind eye and put an end to this practice.
Consequences of Engine Power Fraud
The impacts of this practice are far-reaching:
- Overfishing: Unsustainable catch rates threaten fish populations and biodiversity.
- Marine ecosystem degradation: Vessels with more powerful engines cause even more damage and disrupt ecological balance.
- Economic harm to fishers that follow the rules: Honest fishers face unfair competition compared to those who operate with more powerful engines, compromising their livelihoods.
Recommendations for Action
To tackle engine power fraud and strengthen fisheries management, Oceana recommends:
- Strengthen engine power control systems on fishing vessels
- Legalise irregular engines in an orderly and transparent manner
- Regulate the speculative market for the sale and purchase of horsepower
- Design selective scrapping plans in segments with higher levels of fraud
- Incentivise the adoption of more selective fishing gear that is less intensive in terms of power and fuel, through benefits such as greater access to resources or additional fishing days for vessels that demonstrate a real reduction in their capacity and fishing effort
Conclusion
Engine power fraud is more than a technical violation; it’s a threat to sustainable fishing and marine conservation. Tackling it requires coordinated and decisive political action, enforcement, and transparency across the fishing sector. Without urgent action, the health of the ocean and the future of coastal communities remain at risk.
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