The Councilor for the Environment and Primary Sector, Guzmán Correa, remembers that this
initiative, a priority for the fishing sector of La Gomera, has the support of
all the Canarian administrations, but has been waiting for years for a decision from the
State.
The Valle Gran Rey City Council requests that the administrations and authorities
Gomeras and the Canary Islands urge the State in a united and decisive manner so that the Ministry
of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries to accelerate the procedures so that the Marine Reserve of
Fishing Interest (RMIP) of La Gomera is realized.
Guzmán Correa highlights that Marine Protected Areas constitute an excellent
tool for the management and conservation of biodiversity, habitats and
resources, “which can generate socioeconomic benefits for the fishing sector
crafts, tourism and sports. It has been proven that marine reserves of interest
fishing are effective instruments when it comes to regenerating living marine resources
of coastal ecosystems, accompanied by good management and control
comprehensive".
The marine reserve of La Gomera passed the procedures in the Canary Islands and has, since the
mandate 2011-2015, with everything necessary to become a reality. However,
When the processing reached the Government of Spain, it was paralyzed and was not
No progress has been made either in the 2011-2015 period or in the 2015-2019 mandate.
Correa understands that the political situation last year did not favor the
this management instrument materialized, but after the national elections of
November and the formation of a stable government, should not be delayed any longer
time for its start-up.
The government team considers it key that the management body of this
reserve is based in Valle Gran Rey. “Due to proximity, because it is currently the nucleus
most important fishing port on the island and because most of the
tourist activities at sea are based in this municipality, we understand that
"It is appropriate that the managing and technical body of the Reserve have its headquarters here," he points out.
Correa, who remembers that in the last legislature all the parties with
representation in the plenary session supported a motion in this regard.
For the City Council, locating this body in Valle Gran Rey can reinforce the
fishing sector, promote surveillance on the coasts from Vueltas to the north of La
Gomera and at the same time boost the local economy linked to the sea and fishing. "Besides
of the direct investments that the implementation of a Reserve would entail, open
many possibilities for economic development, in addition to achieving for the island the
recovery of fishing and guarantees of sustained use of the coastline” points out the
councilor, who abounds, “the implementation of the Marine Reserve of Fishing Interest
(RMIP) of La Gomera cannot wait any longer since the fishing resources of
the island are being plundered, creating a situation that, if it continues the same,
seriously compromises the environmental quality of the coast and the future of fishing in La
Gomera”.
“La Gomera society as a whole must be aware of what is happening and
help the island's artisanal fishermen to defend the marine environment and
fishing activity, and it is up to us public representatives, to the extent of our
skills and means, materialize concrete proposals that go along this path,
and the most obvious is the marine reserve: the results are evident in two or three years, which
that directly benefits professional fishermen and provides added value to
maritime excursions, sport fishing and diving activities and the rest of
regulated activities” Correa argues.
