Thousands of Spanish, Portuguese and Italian fishermen have launched strikes, following the example of their French colleagues as they protested escalating fuel prices.
In Madrid, fishermen gathered outside the Environment, Agriculture and Fishing Ministry, where they handed out more than 20 tons of fresh fish free to passers-by.
Economy Minister Pedro Solbes later told reporters the government can not cut fuel taxes, but is looking into ways to help the fishermen.
Representatives of Portugal's fishermen's unions say the shutdown in the country is almost total. Their Italian colleagues say about 12,000 of their colleagues will remain off the job until they meet with Agriculture Minister Luca Zaia.
In France, fishermen Friday blocked access to the country's second largest port, Le Havre. Protests also continued in other Atlantic and Mediterranean ports.
French police Thursday removed blockades by fishermen at several oil depots as well as truckers, from fuel depots near Marseilles.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.
