SUBPESCA head, Raúl Súnico. (Photo: Twitter)
CHILEWednesday, May 20, 2015, 03:20 (GMT + 9)
Undersecretary of Fisheries and Aquaculture Raul Súnico rejected the demonstrations staged by flying jumbo squid artisanal fishermen in some coves of the country.
"We have maintained fluent conversations during recent months and as members of the government, we have met each of the commitments we assumed with the sector after the division among sectors last year," stated Súnico.
The authority noted that in recent weeks they met with leaders of the regions of Coquimbo and Bio Bío "to analyze the complex pricing environment that as a country we are facing and to devise possible solutions in the medium and long term."
In that vein, Súnico said they agreed with the flying jumbo squid industry "that this year they would launch their own management committee and in this context they would discuss new management measures with the participation of all stakeholders in this important fishery, something that should be settled in the coming weeks".
The head of the Undersecretariat of Fisheries and Aquaculture (SUBPESCA) recalled that last year, after several weeks’ uncertainty, the portfolio managed to fraction the flying jumbo squid in 80 per cent participation of the catches for the artisanal sector and 20 per cent for the industry sector. This management measure will govern for five years and "is fully in force," he stressed.
Finally, the undersecretary informed that by Wednesday a meeting was scheduled with the flying jumbo squid national coordinator, "quote that following the incidents will be evaluated".
Meanwhile, the artisanal fishermen warned that they will continue their protests to demand a larger flying jumbo squid quota.