Empesca't

Empesca't is a brand and direct-sales model created by a group of small-scale artisanal fishermen in L'Estartit on the Costa Brava, allowing them to sell their catch directly to restaurants and consumers, bypassing the mandatory auction system that disadvantages small fleets. Supported by the LIFE programme and piloted with Catalan government authorisation, the project ran for three years with six boats before being paused due to regulatory barriers preventing expansion, while demonstrating that fair prices, traceable seafood, and reduced overfishing are achievable.