“The issue has been resolved,” says Algarve MP Cristóvão Norte, guaranteeing that the project has been rejected
Plans to expand aquaculture operations off the coast of Sagres in the western Algarve have been halted, spelling a major win for fishermen who had opposed the plans.
The expansion, led by Finisterra S.A., aimed to cultivate Mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) across nearly three million square metres between Ponta dos Caminhos and Ponta do Torre in Vila do Bispo. However, fishing communities were quick to voice their opposition, arguing that it would threaten crucial fishing areas and, consequently, the livelihood of those dependent on the industry in Sagres and nearby areas.
However, government representatives have confirmed the expansion has been rejected. “The DGRM (General Directorate for Natural Resources, Safety, and Maritime Services) and ICNF (Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests) have rejected the project, and the developer has requested its suspension. All activities have a place, but not at the expense of others,” said Algarve MP for PSD, Cristóvão Norte, during a parliamentary hearing with Minister of Agriculture and Fishing, José Manuel Fernandes. “The issue has been resolved,” Norte added.
In a bid to avoid future worries, the MP has proposed amendments to the law regulation maritime management and use to ensure that, “whether in Sagres or elsewhere, any future economic activities at sea that conflict with vital fishing grounds and threaten the sustainability of fishing communities will be rejected outright.”
Norte also says “PSD is committed to pushing for this legislative change in the coming months, with the hope of securing cross-party support to make this resolution as broadly accepted as possible.”
The municipal council of Lagos had already voiced its opposition in December, stating that the expansion project threatened to disrupt local fishing, nautical activities, tourism, and the regional economy.
