The crew of two ships that make up the fleet of Algeciras Fishermen’s Associations state they have been assaulted by fishermen from Morocco as they were returning after having developed fishing activities in the African fishery grounds.
According to fishermen from Cadiz, there have been constant attacks since the fishing licenses were given to European ships, on 12 September.
They claim that their Moroccan counterparts prevent boats — especially those from Andalusia from fishing as usual in Moroccan waters, despite having been authorized to do so through the agreement signed between that country and the European Union (EU).
The latest incidents contributed for a Spanish fisherman to be injured, but the Civil Guard confirmed that the situation is now calm, the newspaper El Mundo reported.
The Government delegate in Cádiz, Carmen Crespo, ensures “the Executive is closely monitoring the situation.” Besides, she announced that there will be a meeting with the authorities of both countries for the recent agreement to be met.
Meanwhile, the president of the Andalusian Federation of Fisheries Associations, Pedro Maza, regretted the incidents and said “the situation is not being normal”. Therefore, he requested along with the rest of the sector that the Spanish government, the EU and Morocco must put an end to “the existing tension”.
The fleet “has all the permits and the right to continue fishing in the fishing ground,” Maza highlighted.
While Crespo said that relevant checks are being carried out to determine where the events have occurred and to act accordingly,” reported Heraldo de Barbate.
“With the support and cooperation of their governments, the Spanish and Moroccan fishermen’s assocaitions will know how to look for points of agreement for the fishing agreement to be met,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Secretary of State for Fisheries, Andres Hermida, ensured the Ministry of Environment has already contacted the Moroccan authorities “from the highest levels” to be able to reach an understanding, the newspaper El Pais reported.
Morocco receives EUR 40 million for allowing Community vessels to fish in its fishing grounds.
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