Eighteen fishermen’s associations rejected today in Peniche the floating renewable energy projects between Viana do Castelo and Sines, for not having consulted the sector and for endangering the activity of half of the boats.
“The energy transition has to be done for all the known and well known reasons. Now, the energy transition does not have to be made at any cost or at any price,” Pedro Jorge Silva, president of the Association of Industrial Fishing Shipowners, which is part of the Portuguese Fishing Associative Movement, told the Lusa news agency.
The possible closure of fishing areas for the occupation of renewable energy farms, wind farms and others is being done “behind the backs of the fishermen,” who, he warned, are not part of a working group representing all interests in the sea that was created for this purpose.
“Fishing, which is the biggest user and whose economic activity depends on the use of these fishing grounds or a significant part of these fishing grounds, has not been taken into account,” he said.
“We’re talking about 320,000 hectares and obviously this is going to affect and impact a lot on fishing and there hasn’t been the care to have this dialogue,” the leader stressed.
According to the associations, half of the 4,000 licensed vessels could see their activity “rendered unprofitable” and leave part of the 200,000 tons of fish caught each year at risk.
The movement argued that “it is necessary to dialogue and minimize the impact on fishing” and asked for financial compensation, which is why they will be requesting meetings with the Ministries of Agriculture, Economy and Sea.
The 18 associations that met today in Peniche defended the need to carry out a study of the socio-economic impact of the closure of the fishing zones, as well as a study of the environmental impact of the so-called “offshore” parks.