The Socialist Party of Madeira (PS-M) will present a proposal to the Madeira Legislative Assembly to safeguard the traditional drying and salting of gaiado, and to set limits on the fish caught for personal consumption, known as “peixe do balde”.
Party leader Célia Pessegueiro announced the initiative after meeting fishermen from Caniçal. It fulfils a commitment made after a controversial seizure of gaiado during the Festa da Piedade, and would allow a larger quantity of fish for that occasion.
The party is consulting fishermen and boat owners to draft a regional legislative decree. Pessegueiro argued that the European Union allows exceptions for traditional activities, but that these need a clear legal basis to avoid enforcement action.