Spanish fishermen continued their nationwide protests on Tuesday (Dec. 11) against an EU proposal that would cut Mediterranean trawler fishing days by 80%, from 130 to 27 days annually, reports Euronews.

Industry groups warn the restrictions could end trawling operations that employ 3,000 workers directly and support 17,000 indirect jobs.

Fishing operations halted across major Spanish ports as hundreds gathered outside the European Commission in Madrid to protest the proposal, which Brussels says is necessary to protect fish stocks.

In response, the protestors claim the proposal is based on flawed data, would damage Spain's economy, and do not take the concerns of local fishermen into account.