The Cabildo of Tenerife has urged the Fisheries Secretariat of the Ministry of Agriculture to resume and expedite the necessary procedures for reactivating the Anaga and Teno Marine Reserves. Following the Government’s expressed willingness to restart the process, they are now pushing for progress.
At a meeting in Madrid, the President of the Cabildo, Rosa Dávila, accompanied by the Primary Sector Counselor, Valentín González, and the Agriculture, Fisheries, and Sovereignty Counselor of the Government of the Canary Islands, Narvay Quintero, formally presented this request to the Secretary General of Fisheries of the state government, María Isabel Artime.
Sources from the Tenerife Cabildo have confirmed that the State has shown “willingness” to restart the entire process. For this reason, they have requested the Canary Islands administrations – Cabildo and Government – to update socio-economic and biological studies after two decades since the initiation of this process.
Rosa Dávila stated that “after a wait of twenty years,” it is imperative to make progress in these reserves as they are crucial for conserving marine ecosystems and are a tool to regenerate fishing resources, thereby promoting the sustainable development of the economy.
She further emphasizes that scientific evidence from institutions such as the Higher Council for Scientific Research and the University of La Laguna supports that the establishment of these protected areas provides significant benefits in biodiversity and socio-economic development.
According to the island president, these reserves would be beneficial for both professional fishermen and tourist and recreational activities.
The Cabildo’s Primary Sector Councilor, Valentín González, stressed the importance of active participation from all users involved in the reserve, including professional fishermen, recreational enthusiasts, divers, and other potential activities.
González highlighted the island’s commitment through various plenary statements, the latest of which was in March 2020, to promote the reactivation of the Teno and Anaga marine reserves and to assume the economic and financial responsibilities involved.
Additionally, they aim to secure a commitment from other administrations, referring to the Canarian and Spanish Governments, as the reserve includes both external and internal waters.
The proposed reserves cover approximately 23 kilometers for Teno and 24.5 kilometers for Anaga, including integral zones and buffer areas, allowing for the protection and regeneration of marine resources.
Moreover, Tenerife is home to around 400 fish species, many of which inhabit the waters of Teno and Anaga, particularly the demersal and pelagic species crucial for local fishing.