The Governing Council of the Cabildo of Lanzarote has approved the new regulatory bases for competitive grant funding aimed at the fishing sector of Lanzarote and La Graciosa. This technical framework has been designed after a process of active listening, incorporating a large part of the allegations presented by the guilds and associations of the island during the public consultation phase.
The new articulated document establishes three lines of financial aid under the competitive grant funding regime. The first refers to the acquisition of fishing vessels of the artisanal fleet up to 12 meters in length, with support of up to 50% of the amount and a limit of 40,000 euros. The second line covers up to 75% of the project, with a maximum of 40,000 euros, for health, safety, and hygiene equipment such as man overboard rescue systems, first-aid kits, life rafts, AED portable devices, or habitability improvements on bridges. The third line subsidizes up to 50% for engine replacement with caps depending on the length ranging from 20,000 to 40,000 euros, as well as the installation of solar panels, mechanical reforms, or eco-responsible paints.
As a major management innovation, the advance payment of the subsidy in a single installment and without requiring guarantees has been included, alleviating the initial financial burden of maritime professionals.
The president of the Cabildo of Lanzarote, Oswaldo Betancort, highlighted that "the Corporation strategically defends artisanal fishing as an income-generating activity and a provider of high-quality local produce." "The commitment to the fishing sector is total, which is why the regulations are adapted in conjunction with professionals to safeguard safety in the waters and ensure that no family is left behind in the face of European environmental demands," he added.
For his part, the Minister of Fisheries, Samuel Martín, explained that "the Cabildo firmly wants to support the sector's transition towards sustainable and efficient fishing, in line with the Common Fisheries Policy and the Insular Strategic Plan." In this regard, he emphasized that these bases "improve working, hygiene, and health conditions on board, by introducing pioneering incentives for decarbonization, as well as genuinely promoting generational renewal and the integration of women in the primary sector."
Amounts per company
The maximum amount of aid granted by the Cabildo shall not exceed 40,000 euros per single company during any three fiscal years, strictly complying with the European de minimis limit. To ensure efficient control of funds, beneficiaries must subsequently prove at least 40 days of actual fishing per year or 80 days over the last two years, with proportional adaptation for shipowners registered for less than one year.
The regulations incorporate technical demands from the guilds of San Ginés, La Tiñosa, Playa Blanca, La Graciosa, and the Association of Órzola, adapting the funds to the specificities of the Outermost Regions. After receiving the approval of the Insular Governing Council, the proposal will be submitted to the Plenary for initial approval and subsequent public display in the Official Provincial Gazette before the electronic application period opens.
The calls will be processed under a competitive tendering regime and can be applied for once they are published in the Official Provincial Gazette of Las Palmas, with interested parties having a period of fifteen working days to submit their applications.