Italian Fisherman Max Gianella: Fuel Costs Make Fishing Unviable, Crew Laid Off

Italian fisherman Max Gianella says soaring diesel fuel costs have made fishing economically unviable, forcing him to lay off staff and remain docked in Ferrara. He reports earning as little as 50 euros per day after fuel expenses. Gianella, who operates the boat Mercurio with his son Mikael, says the vessel needs a three-person crew but they now work alone. He also faces financial strain from fines, including a 2,000-euro penalty for a missed online communication and prior costs from hull damage caused by shallow harbor waters. The fisherman criticizes European regulations on net sizes and bureaucratic systems, feeling authorities in "glass palaces" don't understand their plight. He acknowledges recent fuel discounts from some distributors but remains pessimistic, describing the situation as "water up to the throat."