The Lanzarote Island Council published this Monday, November 18, in the Official Gazette of the Province of Las Palmas the bases of two important calls for subsidies for the fishing sector of Lanzarote and La Graciosa. In addition to the usual support for fishermen's associations and producer organizations, the main novelty of the subsidies launched now by the Area directed by the Councilor for Fisheries, Samuel Martín, is the introduction of the unprecedented Line 3, a specific aid for the acquisition of fishing vessels, which represents a historic milestone for the sector.
Councilor Samuel Martín emphasizes that the Island Council is committed to "innovating in the promotion of our artisanal fishing industry and introducing new lines of economic support to strengthen the sector, thus supporting the sector's transition towards sustainable fishing, always within the framework of the Common Fisheries Policy." These same aids also establish economic incentives for the presence of more women fishers in the sector.
In total, the island institution has allocated a global investment of 1,230,000 euros, distributed in both calls, with the aim of promoting the sustainability, modernization, and competitiveness of fishing activities.
The first line of aid is aimed at associative legal entities in the fishing sector, such as fishermen's associations, fishing associations, and the tuna producers' organization based in Lanzarote or La Graciosa. With a total budget allocation of 530,000 euros, these subsidies are designed to finance both operating expenses and investment projects in equipment, contributing to the strengthening and improvement of the commercial assets of these entities.
The execution period for these aids covers from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025, while the beneficiaries will have until March 31, 2026, to justify the investments made. Applications may be submitted through the electronic headquarters of the Island Council within 15 business days from the publication of the announcement in the Official Gazette of the Province of Las Palmas.
An incentive for the youngest
The second call, endowed with 700,000 euros, is aimed at both natural and legal persons and groups in the fishing sector, with tax domicile in Lanzarote or La Graciosa. This line includes three main areas of investment, with Line 3 being the most prominent and an absolute novelty in the island's fishing aid policy.
Line 3 allows the acquisition of fishing vessels, with the following limits: 35,000 euros for vessels up to 10 meters in total length; 50,000 euros for vessels longer than 10 meters in total length; young fishers will receive an additional 10% in the aid granted, thus promoting generational change in the sector.
In addition, other lines of support linked to investment expenses and innovative projects for the sustainable development of local fishing will be covered. The execution period for these subsidies extends until December 31, 2025, with a justification of expenses extended until March 31, 2026.
A historic commitment to the fishing sector
The Councilor for Fisheries has highlighted the relevance of these calls, emphasizing that the unprecedented Line 3 represents "a turning point in the support for the island's fishing sector. We are committed to modernizing and strengthening fishing in our islands, promoting both sustainability and competitiveness, especially at a time when fishing communities face multiple challenges," he said.
Applications for both calls will be open for 15 business days, counted from the day following the publication of the announcement in the Official Gazette of the Province of Las Palmas. Those interested can carry out their procedures through the electronic headquarters of the Island Council or in person in the case of natural persons.
"With these actions, the Lanzarote Island Council continues to bet on the diversification of economic activity and adapts to the needs of current times with the introduction of new incentives in the industry," commented Samuel Martín.
