Fishing Federation Warns of Crisis in Canary Islands
The National Federation of Artisanal Fishing (FENAPA) has launched a campaign in the Canary Islands to address the dire economic situation facing local fishermen. Representatives held a meeting at the Arona Town Hall with Melania Santos, the councillor for the primary sector, to discuss collaborative solutions for port workers in Las Galletas and to coordinate local administrative support.
During the meeting, FENAPA requested the councillor’s assistance in allowing fishermen access to public port facilities. They emphasised that keeping infrastructure unused represents a misallocation of public resources. The federation also suggested establishing liaison offices at ports to streamline administrative processes and promote local fish consumption.
Fishermen outlined the economic strain they face, with first-sale prices failing to cover operational costs. Carlos Braun Borges, president of the San Casiano association and FENAPA Canarias, highlighted that government aid barely funds a single day’s operational costs, stating, “The production costs are so high that it’s more profitable to keep the boat in port.”
Braun further pointed out the harmful impact of foreign market competition, which makes local fishing untenable. The decline in profitability is driving younger generations away from the profession. He noted that each fisherman supports four to five land-based jobs, urging authorities to ensure the future of this vital sector.
Political Demands for Fishing Policies
In a separate meeting, FENAPA presented its concerns to Nicasio Galván, the parliamentary spokesperson for Vox in the Canary Islands. They reported a staggering 53% drop in the national fishing workforce between 2023 and 2026, indicating that current policies are failing to address real issues.
Fishermen called on Galván to make a political commitment and propose effective initiatives in parliament. They specifically seek recognition for the Canary Islands as an Outermost Region (RUP) to access essential fishing rights historically overlooked.
At both local and regional levels, fishermen reject the approach of waiting for subsidies while relying on foreign products. They demand new EU legislation tailored to artisanal fishing, reduced bureaucracy, and measures against illegal fishing, ensuring that future financial programmes allocate funds to genuine fishing professionals, prioritising local products over imports.
Invasive Algae Threatening Ecosystems
FENAPA also highlighted the urgent issue of invasive algae, Rugulopteryx okamurae, which is spreading along the coasts of Galicia and the Canary Islands. This infestation is damaging ecosystems and harming local fisheries, prompting a stark warning from the industry: “We are the ones facing extinction.”
As eradication appears unfeasible, the fishing sector is advocating for the commercial transformation of this invasive species. Ongoing research led by Dr. Félix López Figueroa at the University of Las Palmas, in collaboration with universities in Málaga and Cádiz, aims to explore potential uses for the algae.
To enable this shift, FENAPA insists on the rapid approval of exclusive management plans by regional authorities. The current lack of legal security is hindering the transformation industry from seizing business opportunities with this species. Establishing a robust regulatory framework could turn an ecological threat into a means of wealth and survival for local fishermen.
