The Cabildo of Lanzarote celebrated World Fisheries Day with the screening of the short documentary Manos de Sal, a work that travels the island's coast to portray the essence of artisanal fishing, its cultural legacy, and its historical link with the fishing communities of Lanzarote and La Graciosa.
The screening, organized by the Cabildo of Lanzarote, was held at CIC El Almacén before a large audience and offered an immersive journey through the island's coast, portraying, through images, sounds, and testimonies, the life and essence of artisanal fishing and how it guarantees local and sustainable products while being one of the keys to the cultural and economic resilience of coastal communities.
During the event, the president of the Cabildo, Oswaldo Betancort, who was accompanied by the Minister of Fisheries, Samuel Martín, and the Director General of Fisheries of the Government of the Canary Islands, Esteban Reyes Hernández, acknowledged that "this documentary highlights the living memory of our coasts and the daily effort of those who maintain an essential activity for the identity and economy of Lanzarote and La Graciosa." Betancort also emphasized that the island institution will continue to promote and support a sector "fundamental for the citizens and for the future of our islands."
For his part, the Minister of Fisheries, Samuel Martín, pointed out that "this projection allows us to visualize the crucial role of sustainable fishing as a guarantor of biodiversity and social cohesion. Recognizing and supporting our guilds and their families is essential to ensure a future in balance between tradition, conservation, and local development".Likewise, the Director General of Fisheries of the Government of the Canary Islands, Esteban Reyes Hernández, emphasized that the Canarian Executive maintains a "firm commitment" to artisanal fishing and to those who keep this essential activity for the islands alive. Reyes stated that "sustainability and tradition must go hand in hand to ensure the future of the sea from generation to generation."
Recognition to the fishing sector and tribute to island professionals
During this event, a well-deserved tribute was also paid to fishermen from the island with the presentation of awards. The fishermen honored were: Celestino Celso Rodríguez González, Cristian Rodríguez Aroca, Manuel de la Cruz Pérez, Andrés Figueroa Cáceres, Wenceslao Olivero Martín, Aythami Olivero Guillen, Alberto González Martín, Cipriano Luis Umpiérrez Martín, Alejandro Martín Martín, Andrés Cedrés Alonso, José Manuel Rodríguez Almenara, Juan Manuel Cabrera Toledo, and Juan Francisco Lemes Espinosa.
Through this project, the Cabildo de Lanzarote has sought to highlight the traditional and artisanal fishing sector, together with the protection of the cultural heritage linked to the sea, thus keeping alive the practices, stories, and knowledge that have defined our islands' relationship with the marine environment and that remain essential for our future.