The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food Sovereignty has granted subsidies of €1,190,000 to the 27 requesting marine associations, federations and cooperatives across the eight islands.
The Government of the Canary Islands has allocated €1.19 million to fishermen's associations, their federations and marine cooperatives across the eight islands, according to the grant resolution published by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food Sovereignty. The aid line, fully funded by the Autonomous Community's own resources, has covered the 27 entities that submitted applications.
The area councillor, Narvay Quintero, highlighted that these entities “constitute an essential pillar for the organisation and representation of the Canary fishing sector.” In his opinion, the aid represents “support for their daily operations, as well as a guarantee that they can continue providing essential services to fishing professionals.”
For his part, the Director General of Fisheries, Esteban Reyes, noted that the financial support allows “to strengthen their management capacity, improve the attention they provide to their members, and contribute to maintaining a strategic activity for many coastal areas of the Archipelago.”
The subsidies are designed to cover the operational expenses of these organisations. Fundable items include basic supplies such as electricity, water, telephone, and office consumables. Mandatory insurance and measures outlined in occupational risk prevention plans and workplace safety and hygiene are also included.
Additionally, the funding allows for the coverage of other mandatory expenses, such as payment of fees to federations and associations in the sector, travel to attend official meetings, hiring personnel, and Social Security costs. It also covers professional services for legal, labour, tax, accounting, and IT advice, including the creation and maintenance of websites.
The grant procedure has been processed under a competitive bidding regime, following the criteria established in the regulatory bases. These criteria assess the number of associated individuals, the activity carried out at first sale points, and aspects related to generational change and gender equality.
For the Canary fishing sector, this aid represents relief in a context of rising costs and uncertainty due to fishing restrictions. The associations, present in ports across all the islands, play a key role in managing fish markets, marketing fish, and defending the interests of fishermen.
The complete resolution and the list of beneficiary entities can be consulted on the Electronic Headquarters of the Government of the Canary Islands. With this financial injection, the regional government aims to ensure the viability of organisations that sustain fishing activity in the Archipelago, a sector that generates employment and retains population in coastal areas.
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