Regional deputy Silvia Sousa Silva (PS) has called for a clarification of the law to protect fishermen and the tradition of consuming dried skipjack. Her intervention follows the National Maritime Authority (AMN) detecting 2,011 kilograms of undeclared fish on an artisanal vessel.
The incident occurred early on September 14th, when the NRP Zaire seized the dried skipjack, which was not registered. The fish awaits analysis by veterinary health authorities. The deputy argues that dried fish is part of a generational artisanal practice, intended for self-consumption and family use, particularly during the Festa de Nossa Senhora da Piedade.
Silvia Sousa Silva believes the law should include exceptions for ingrained cultural practices, preventing fishermen from being treated as offenders. If the Regional Government does not proceed with clarification, the PS-Madeira will present a proposal to the Legislative Assembly to review the accounting of fish for personal consumption and establish an exceptional regime for cultural practices.
