Overview
- Most Normandy scallop vessels have started the season despite the cost shock, but a measurable minority chose not to sail because trips would lose money.
- Marine diesel has climbed from about €1–€1.05 per litre at the end of last season to roughly €1.20–€1.25 per litre, and vessels burn about 800 litres to one tonne a day, sharply raising daily operating bills.
- Government aid meant to cover roughly 70% of fuel surcharges was slow to arrive, with payments tied to spring months only received in September, leaving crews short of cash for wages and running costs.
- Shipowners are cutting costs now by running smaller crews, delaying some offshore effort in favour of nearer-shore grounds such as the Baie de Seine, and shortening time at sea to lower fuel use.
- Fishermen warn that if market prices fall below about €2.80 per kilogram, many scallop trips will be uneconomic, which would hurt incomes, local supply and the region where scallops support one in two boats.