Around 90% of the fishing fleet based in Caleta de Vélez have agreed to invoke the ERTE (Expediente de Regulación Temporal de Empleo – Temporary Regulation of Employment) in order to preserve fish stocks and guarantee the future of the fisheries.
According to the fishemen’s association, who represent around 180 people and 14 boats, the Fisheries Department of the Junta Andalucia is not prepared to subsidise the regular two month ‘biological recovery’ periods, designed to preserve fish stocks and guarantee the future of the fishing industry.
Around 150 workers will register as unemployed for the two month recovery period. Fishermen are also requesting urgent meetings with the Agriculture and Fisheries Department and the Unicaja bank to discuss a moratorium on repayments of loans to boat owners.