The Regional Government of Madeira made it clear that “the creation of the future D. Carlos Marine Nature Reserve will only move forward if the continuity of regional fishing is fully guaranteed.” The position was reaffirmed by the Regional Secretariat for Tourism, Environment and Culture, which classifies it as an essential and non-negotiable condition.
In a statement, the Madeiran executive stresses “that it has always defended a balanced conservation model compatible with the economic and social reality of the Region, rejecting that the protection of the ocean is done at the expense of traditional activities that sustain families, communities and the regional blue economy.”
The Regional Government also rejects what it considers to be extremist views or disconnected from the Atlantic reality of Madeira, arguing that the effective protection of the oceans must be based on scientific knowledge, balanced management, and the involvement of fishing communities.
“Without the guarantee of safeguarding traditional fishing, Madeira will not follow the process” of creating the marine protected area.
For the regional executive, “the conservation of the oceans and the defence of fishermen are not incompatible objectives, but two priorities that should work hand in hand.”
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
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