The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, Ramón Fernández-Pacheco, has announced the expansion of sustainable investment grants for fishing vessels, increasing from the initial 200,000 euros to 1.3 million euros. This announcement was made during his visit to the Almería Fish Market, where he held a meeting with representatives from the fishing sector to address their concerns.
This initiative by the Andalusian Government will provide funding for up to 83% of the installation of fly doors, a technology that reduces environmental impact and is «essential» for trawl fleets to regain fishing days, following cuts imposed by the European Union.
«Andalusia is the first autonomous community to activate these grants and the one that funds the highest percentage. While the Spanish Government promised 100% and failed to deliver, the Junta takes a step forward and makes it a reality,» stated the Minister.
During the meeting with representatives from the Andalusian fishing sector, Fernández-Pacheco shared insights from a recent meeting with the European Fisheries Commissioner, Costas Kadis, where Andalusia called for «more sensitivity towards Mediterranean fishing, more European funds, and greater flexibility in their application.»
Accompanied by the Government Delegate of the Junta in Almería, Arancha Martín, and the territorial delegate of the ministry in Almería, Antonio Mena, the Minister reiterated the Junta de Andalucía’s support for the sector’s complaints regarding the presence of foreign fleets using illegal fishing gear in the waters around the Island of Alborán. He also highlighted the recent call for grants worth 6.37 million euros to compensate for temporary stoppages in the fishing sector in 2025. «The aim of these grants is to alleviate the economic losses caused by the temporary interruption of sector activities, while promoting sustainable management of fishing resources,» he recalled.
«The Junta de Andalucía will continue to firmly defend the interests of our fishermen,» concluded Fernández-Pacheco.
The meeting was attended by José María Gallart, President of the Andalusian Federation of Fishing Associations (FAAPE); Ángeles Cayuela, President of the Andalusian Women’s Association of the Fishing Sector (ANDMUPES); Pedro Ruiz and Juan Belmonte from Carbopesca; Vicente González, head skipper of the Fishermen’s Guild of Carboneras; and Gregorio Jerez and José Rosa from the Fishermen’s Guild of Garrucha.