Canary Islands Enhance Fishing Industry with New Port Agreement

In a landmark initiative for the fishing sector, Canarian Ports, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food Sovereignty, has formalized an agreement aimed at improving the management of 14 port facilities dedicated to fishing activities. This collaborative effort is set to bolster the local fishing economy and provide essential support to fishing guilds across the region.

Key Figures Unite for a Common Cause

The formal signing ceremony took place in the picturesque town of Agaete, where notable figures gathered to witness this significant event. Among the attendees were Pablo Rodríguez, the Minister of Agriculture, and Narvay Quintero, the Secretary of State for Fisheries. Their presence underscored the importance of this agreement to the future of the fishing industry in the Canary Islands.

Also in attendance were José Gilberto Moreno, the Managing Director of Canarian Ports, and Esteban Reyes, the Director General of Fisheries. The Mayor of Agaete, María del Carmen Rosario, was present as well, highlighting the critical role that the fishing sector plays in the local economy and community.

Strengthening the Fishing Guilds

Rodríguez described the agreement as a transformative step towards the professionalization of fishing shelters, emphasizing that the concession process began back in 2019. He acknowledged the vital role played by the Agaete fishing guild in facilitating this advancement, which is expected to yield significant benefits for local fishermen.

Following the signing, Quintero articulated that the primary objective of this initiative is to ensure that the fishing guilds have access to the necessary shelters for their operational needs. He praised the cooperative spirit of Canarian Ports, which is responsible for overseeing the infrastructure that supports the fishing industry.

Mayor Rosario characterized the day as historic for the fishing community, noting its resilience and the potential for generational renewal within the sector. She expressed gratitude for the institutional support directed towards enhancing the primary sector in Agaete, which is vital for the region’s economic stability.

Comprehensive Management and Facility Enhancements

The agreement delineates the renewal of facilities for various fishing guilds, including those of San Miguel de Tajao, Nuestra Señora de Candelaria, and San Marcos in Tenerife, as well as Castillo del Romeral, Playa de Mogán, and Pescatobal in Gran Canaria. Additionally, designated fishing areas encompass ports such as El Cotillo in Fuerteventura, Puerto Espíndola in La Palma, and several others across Gran Canaria and Tenerife.

According to the stipulations outlined in the addendum, both parties are expected to finalize the handover documents within a three-month timeframe. Once completed, the Ministry will assume management and operational responsibilities for these facilities. This transition will involve regulating activities and overseeing essential services related to the first sale, machinery, storage, and other resources critical for the fishing sector’s success.

The agreement is anticipated to not only enhance the operational capabilities of the fishing guilds but also improve the overall infrastructure supporting the fishing industry in the Canary Islands. By modernizing facilities and ensuring better management, the initiative aims to create a more sustainable and profitable fishing environment.

Key points

• Canarian Ports and the Ministry of Agriculture signed an agreement to manage 14 fishing facilities.
• The signing ceremony took place in Agaete, attended by key officials and local representatives.
• The agreement includes facilities in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Fuerteventura.
• Rodríguez emphasized the agreement’s role in professionalizing fishing shelters.
• The Ministry will assume management of the facilities within three months.
• Mayor Rosario highlighted the significance of the fishing sector for local economic resilience.