Concern for Malaga’s fishing future

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FISHERMEN in Malaga Province have grown increasingly concerned for their future, as fishing-ground closures force many to consider seeking other employment.

It has been announced that up to five of the nine fishing-grounds along Malaga’s coast may have to close, including the major fishing-grounds of Fuengirola and Vélez.

The closure of the Caleta de Vélez was announced on Friday October 3 due to a red tide (a natural phenomenon caused by a large concentration of toxic microorganisms), and despite promises of compensation, many fishermen feel that these days their losses simply outweigh their gains.

The Junta de Andalucia has said that compensation is available for fishermen whose area is closed for a period of 21 days or more, but many have noted wryly that closed grounds ‘miraculously’ reopen after 18 or 19 days, thus denying fishermen the right to any compensation.

2014 has been a good year in respect to 2013, when closures saw losses of up to 85 per cent. But with 150 fishing vessels in the Province, and each supporting an average of three families, there is little wonder that Malaga’s fishermen are considering looking elsewhere for employment.  

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