Now tuna are a threat to fishermen off the coast of Almeria

THE FISHERMEN of Carboneras are facing ruin due to the abundant numbers of tuna fish to be found off the coast.

The thirty or so boats that fish along the Mediterranean coast for swordfish are seeing their livelihoods threatened by the starving tunas that get caught in nets in their search for food.

The fish cause damage to the nets, which cost around €12,000 each and often end up at the bottom of the sea with chunks of equipment between their teeth.

The fishermen are in a difficult situation because they are not permitted to catch the abundant supply and the tuna caught in the nets prevent them from catching swordfish.

The fishing season for swordfish began a few weeks ago and is licensed until September 30. The fishermen will not be allowed to fish during the months of October or November without any form of compensation.

Since European regulations began in 2007, which prevented the capture of tuna in the months of May, June and July, the fishermen are finding it hard to survive and fishing restrictions has reduced a main source of income to the province of Almeria.