Por Redaccion 
The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, Ramón Fernández-Pacheco, has announced the expansion of aid for sustainable investments in 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 met with representatives of the fishing sector to address their concerns.
This initiative by the Andalusian Government will fund up to 83% of the installation of fly doors, a technology that reduces environmental impact and is «essential» for the trawling fleet to regain fishing days following the cuts imposed by the European Union.
«Andalusia is the first autonomous community to activate these aids and the one that finances the highest percentage. While the Spanish Government promised 100% and hasn’t delivered, the Junta takes a step forward and makes it a reality,» the Minister stated.
During the meeting with representatives of the Andalusian fishing sector, Fernández-Pacheco shared insights from a recent meeting with the European Commissioner for Fisheries, Costas Kadis, where Andalusia requested «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 methods near the Island of Alborán. He also highlighted the recent call for aid amounting to 6.37 million euros to compensate for temporary shutdowns in the fishing sector in 2025. «The aim of this aid is to mitigate the economic losses caused by the temporary interruption of their activity in the sector, while promoting sustainable management of fishing resources,» he emphasized.
«The Junta de Andalucía will continue to firmly defend the interests of our fishermen,» Fernández-Pacheco concluded.
Participants in the meeting included 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 fisherman of the Carboneras Fishermen’s Guild; and Gregorio Jerez and José Rosa from the Garrucha Fishermen’s Guild.