Artisanal tuna fishers have been officially recognised as different from the industrial fleet by the EC. (Photo: Junta de Andalucia)

Relief for the artisanal tuna fleet

SPAIN
Friday, March 05, 2010, 23:20 (GMT + 9)

The councillor of Agriculture and Fisheries of the Junta de Andalusia, Clara Aguilera, expressed her “satisfaction” at the distinction made by the European Commission (EC) between the industrial fleet and the artisanal one.

For the first time “a red line” is established between both fishing modes, which “in fact stipulates exempting the Andalusian artisanal fleet, which targets tuna capture, from this prohibition so that the activity can be continued locally,” the Administration indicated.

She further added: "The Andalusian artisanal sector has had months of uncertainty because of the debates that are being developed on the future of this fishery worldwide," which has conserving the species as its main objective.

Aguilera also noted that not only was the“mentioned distinction between fleets” achieved but also “the proposal of the Spanish Presidency of the European Union (EU) to postpone the entry in force of the veto on the commercialisation of tuna beyond the initial proposal of 2011.”

Another “great success” was that “the four trap nets are authorised to begin the activity.”

For the Government of Andalusia, it was important that the artisanal fleet be excluded from the reach of the measure because of the “importance and particularity of the Andalusian artisanal sector” in the social and economic landscape.

The socialist parliamentary group endorsed the actions of the Junta in defence of the Andalusian artisanal bluefin tuna sector.

According to socialist congressman for Cadiz, Samuel Rodriguez, the group which I represent always "will wager on the artisanal way for the wild capture of tuna."

In addition, he asked that other political forces“ stop filling fishers with fear, because it seems that instead of the good of the fleet, their only objective is to alarm and make unfortunate declarations,” Diario de Cadiz reports.

Last February, the EC said on Monday that it is proposing a ban on commercial bluefin tuna fishing, to protect the fish much prized by Japanese sushi lovers, to come into force next year.

"We have no other choice but to act now and propose a ban on commercial fishing," European Union (EU) Environment Commissioner Janez Potocnik told a Brussels press conference, indicating that it would affect the summer 2011 fishing season.

Related article:

- EU proposes bluefin tuna ban

By Analia Murias
editorial@fis.com
www.fis.com

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