The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Water of the Government of the Canary Islands has issued an order prohibiting certain types and methods of fishing in the Arrieta bay (Haría), in order to allow marine fauna to regenerate in that area. The ban mainly affects wicker pots and trammel nets.
The mayor of Haría, José Torres Stinga, points out that the measure has been taken at the request of the City Council. In 2004, artificial reefs were placed in that area and since then a recovery of pelagic species has been noticed, but that recovery is in danger due to the use of wicker pots and trammel nets. "The recovery is worthless if the fauna of those artificial reefs is then exploited", says the mayor.
The prohibition, in principle, is for three years, although the mayor assures that the intention is for it to be indefinite. The activities that are allowed are the following: from a boat, hook fishing with line or rod of pelagic or semi-pelagic species, tuna fishing with rod or the capture of bait, among others. Recreational fishing with a hook consisting of rod, line, weights and buoy is also allowed, with some restrictions.
S.G. / ACN Press
