The National Federation of Fishermen's Guilds is a non-profit Public Law Corporation, recognized in the State's Maritime Fisheries Law 3/2001, which in its preamble recognizes the traditional establishment of Fishermen's Guilds on the coast (it is important note that their antecedents date back to the eleventh century).

As contemplated by the Fisheries Law, the National Federation may integrate, where appropriate, the Brotherhoods and act as an interlocutor between them and the General Administration of the State in matters of maritime fishing, performing those actions that the General Administration entrusts to it by delegation of the State.

The purposes and functions of the National Federation are, in summary:

  1.- Coordinate, manage and represent the socioeconomic interests of all the Brotherhoods.

  2.- To channel as many actions, projects or programs that the Administration carries out and that affects the socioeconomic interests of the fishing sector.

  3.- Contribute to the better development of the socioeconomic system, to achieve the adaptation of fishing activities to the demands of the current times.

  4.- Promote the modernization of the commercial process that guarantees the profitability of the fishing effort.

  5.- Promote training activities for sea professionals, especially to improve the conditions of workers

Representation data. There are currently 198 Fishermen's Guilds, representing 30,000 members, 8,000 of whom are boat owners.