SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 11th June (EUROPA PRESS) –
The President Rosa Dávila and the Primary Sector Councillor Valentín González of Cabildo, along with the Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Sovereignty Councillor of the Canary Islands Government, Narvay Quintero, met on Tuesday with the Secretary General of Fisheries of the Spanish Government, María Isabel Artime, with the objective to kickstart the processes for the Teno and Anaga marine reserves.
Rosa Dávila emphasised that after two decades of waiting, it is “vital” to advance in establishing the Teno and Anaga Marine Reserves of Fishing Interest. She urged the Fisheries Secretariat of the Ministry of Agriculture to resume and expedite the necessary procedures for this purpose.
Dávila stressed that “these reserves are not only essential for preserving our marine ecosystems but also serve as a crucial tool to renew fishing resources and drive the sustainable growth of our economy.” She added that “scientific data, endorsed by institutions like the Higher Council for Scientific Research and the University of La Laguna, demonstrates that implementing these protected areas will bring significant benefits in terms of biodiversity and socio-economic progress, benefiting both professional fishermen and tourist/recreational activities.”
In a similar vein, Cabildo’s Primary Sector Councillor, Valentín González, expressed the intention to reinitiate the declaration of the Marine Reserve of Fishing Interest in Teno and Anaga as “socioeconomic and biological studies need updating” after a 20-year hiatus since the commencement of this process.
González highlighted “the necessity for active involvement of all stakeholders using the reserve,” including professional and recreational fishermen, scuba diving operations, and other activities within this area. He sought the commitment of the institutions, namely the Canary Islands Government and the Spanish Government.
Valentín González also recalled that “there have been several resolutions from the Cabildo’s plenary sessions, the latest one in March 2020, reiterating the institution’s dedication to promote the reactivation of Teno and Anaga marine reserves, even taking on the financial responsibilities involved in commissioning this reserve.”
The proposed reserves cover approximately 23 kilometres for Teno and 24.5 kilometres for Anaga, comprising integral zones and buffer areas, facilitating the protection and resurgence of marine resources, as stated by the Cabildo.
Tenerife boasts around 400 fish species, many of which inhabit the waters of Teno and Anaga, including demersal and pelagic species that are pivotal for local fishing.
