Tuna fishermen in the Canary Islands are requesting captains of larger shipping boats to “not frighten the tuna†by demanding them to sail at least two miles away from the tuna vessels fishing between the islands Gomera and Tenerife.
For the past two months, the fishermen of the about 85 percent tuna fleet in the Canary Islands are trying to survive by fishing in this specific area; a location where all the tuna shoals, which pass through the archipelago waters, are currently concentrating. The tuna fishermen indicated that this an occasional and transitory situation occurred because of the formation of a hot water bag stationed in that zone and which meets the adequate temperature conditions for the tuna species.
According to the tuna fishermen, however, there is a complete “lack of sensibility†on behalf of the captains of these larger cargo vessels, from shipping companies such as Fred Olsen and Transmediterránea, towards the tuna fishermen. “They continue to pass by this fishihg location, with their huge boats and intense marine traffic, very close to our fishing boats, practically ‘running us over’ and frightening the fish†“This situation is causing us serious economic difficulties†fishermen indicate.
Thus, their demand for the cargo vessels to keep their distance. “A simple effort for these captains who will not only continue receiving their salary but allow a sector so punished as ours to continue the strive".
Vicente Rivero, from the Association Los Cristianos, indicated that the lack of collaboration is causing communication difficulties. Their attention to the economic damage inflicted on the fishermen is infuriating them, with the result that they are considering to block the port to defend their interests. “This would be the best way to obtain the awareness of politicians and citizens towards our causeâ€.