Economic Boost for Fisheries: The Government of the Canary Islands Allocates €200,000 for El Cotillo
In a significant move aimed at fortifying local fisheries, the Government of the Canary Islands has recently declared an emergency economic measure to allocate an additional €200,000 toward improvement works at the El Cotillo fishing refuge. This decision, announced on a Monday, underscores the administration’s commitment to enhancing the vital maritime infrastructure that supports the fishing sector.
A Focus on Infrastructure
The funds will be directed toward essential renovation projects within the context of the larger investment initiative titled “Conservation and Improvement of Infrastructure in Fuerteventura.” This comprehensive program aims to address the critical needs expressed by the island’s fishing community, facilitating more efficient operations and improved conditions for local fishermen.
The ongoing work will focus on several key areas: improving access routes to the fishing refuge, upgrading asphalt surfaces, and enhancing existing structures to support various fishing activities. These improvements are not just about aesthetics; they are foundational to ensuring safety and efficiency for the fishermen who are the backbone of the local economy.
Urgent Needs Addressed
The proposal for this funding was notably endorsed by two key government departments: the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fishing, and Food Sovereignty and the Ministry of Public Works, Housing, and Mobility. Their collaborative efforts highlight the urgent necessity of modernizing fishing infrastructure, which has become increasingly stressed due to both environmental and economic challenges.
Fuerteventura’s fishing sector is not only essential for local employment but also plays an integral role in preserving the cultural heritage of the island. It is crucial that the infrastructure supporting this industry keeps pace with modern requirements and challenges.
Funding Mechanism
Interestingly, this funding initiative was originally not included in the 2025 Autonomous Community General Budgets. Instead, it will be financed through a budgetary allocation from the Vice-Council of Infrastructure, which will repurpose unspent funds from the current fiscal year. This proactive measure reflects the administration’s adaptive financial strategies aimed at reinforcing critical services relevant to Fuerteventura’s fishing activities, as per the provisions of Law 5/2024 approved on December 30.
Legalizing Livestock Operations
In parallel developments, the Council has also moved to legalize five livestock operations across various municipalities including San Sebastián (La Gomera), Garafía (La Palma), Moya (Gran Canaria), Candelaria, and El Rosario (Tenerife). These sites collectively house 1,039 animals, including a diverse mix of livestock ranging from goats and sheep to horses and pigs. The action aims to support local agricultural activities, essential for food security and economic stability in the Canary Islands.
This initiative is part of a broader plan by the Canary government to streamline the legalization process for agricultural operations, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks while simultaneously bolstering critical sectors tied to regional sustenance.
Supporting the Agricultural Sector
What’s noteworthy is that the administration has granted authorization for 23 livestock facilities to operate throughout 2025. This decision aligns with the Law 6/2009, which focuses on urgent measures for territorial organization and boosts for the sector. By modernizing existing structures and enabling new operations, the government attempts to stimulate primary sector activities, which include dairy production, egg production, and livestock farming.
These efforts showcase a dual commitment: not only to the fishing industry but also to the agricultural sector, encouraging a holistic approach to economic growth within the region.
Enhancements to Livestock Management
The reactivation of authorization processes for agricultural activities, propelled by the General Directorate of Livestock, signifies a robust commitment to bolster essential subsectors within the primary sector. This initiative is particularly focused on dairy production and cheese-making, poultry farming, and raising pigs and sheep. The strategy aims not only to improve livestock management but also to enhance the overall supply chain for these products.
In summary, the ongoing initiatives led by the Government of the Canary Islands represent a crucial investment in the local economy, addressing both maritime and agricultural needs. By focusing on infrastructure improvements and supporting livestock operations, the government is paving the way for sustainable growth and resilience in Fuerteventura’s vital sectors.
