The Minister of Agriculture and the Sea, José Manuel Fernandes, and the Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Fisheries, Nuno Maciel, have jointly criticized European regulations that impede support for the renewal of Madeira's artisanal fishing fleet. Both advocate for changes to rectify the situation.
The issue is expected to be addressed during the visit of the European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, to Madeira next week. The visit followed an inspection of the black scabbardfish vessel "Lombo do Doutor" by both officials.
Nuno Maciel explained that the main obstacle lies in a community regulation preventing the Region from using its own budget to support fleet renewal, as it would involve increasing the vessels' power and gross tonnage. According to Maciel, this increase aims to ensure greater safety and better working conditions, not to catch more fish, as quotas remain unchanged. More efficient engines, requiring larger capacity vessels, would also lead to lower fuel consumption and reduced environmental emissions.
