Puerto del Rosario hosts the FEMP Fisheries, Coasts and Island Affairs Committee on the future of the coastline
2. The news in detail
Puerto del Rosario Town Hall hosted on Monday the session of the Fisheries, Coasts and Island Affairs Committee of the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP), a national-level meeting that brought together in Fuerteventura institutional representatives, fishing-sector leaders and experts in coastal management and marine sustainability.
The day was attended by the committee chair and mayor of Haria, Alfredo Villalba Barreto; the committee vice-chair and mayor of Puerto del Rosario, David de Vera Cabrera; and the president of the Cabildo of Fuerteventura, Lola Garcia, as well as the island councillor for the Primary Sector, Enrique Perez. Also taking part were Lorenzo Brito, president of the Confederation of Fishermen's Guilds of the Canary Islands; the deputy director general for Fisheries, Manuel Pablos; and representatives of the Directorate-General for Fisheries Management and Aquaculture (DGOPA).
The session began with an institutional reception in the Town Hall's plenary chamber, followed by a seminar focused on generational renewal in the fishing sector, one of the main challenges currently facing coastal and island areas. The working meeting addressed matters such as the European Ocean Pact, planned changes to the General Coastal Law and the defence of participatory local development in fishing areas.
The FEMP Fisheries, Coasts and Island Affairs Committee works to defend and promote the interests of Spain's coastal and island communities, addressing issues related to fishing sustainability, coastal management, environmental protection and sea-linked economic development. The day concluded with an institutional visit linked to the municipality's coastline and fishing sector.
3. Voices and statements
The mayor of Puerto del Rosario and committee vice-chair, David de Vera, stressed the importance of this committee serving to highlight the specific reality of territories affected by coastal regulations, coordinating efforts between administrations. The Cabildo president, Lola Garcia, emphasised that for Fuerteventura and for all of the Canary Islands this committee is essential, because it is about protecting our coastal settlements, our traditions and our way of life, and conveyed a request from the sector: fishermen are asking for something basic, to be heard.
4. Context and background
The Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP) is the country's main association of local authorities. Its Fisheries, Coasts and Island Affairs Committee brings together coastal and island municipalities to coordinate positions before the central Government and the European Union on coastline, fishing and sustainability matters. Choosing Puerto del Rosario as the venue places Fuerteventura at the centre of the national debate on the future of fishing communities.
5. What it means for Fuerteventura
The fact that a national meeting of this scale is held in Puerto del Rosario reinforces Fuerteventura's weight in decisions about the Canary coastline, an island whose economy and culture are deeply tied to the sea, from the artisanal fishing of Gran Tarajal and Morro Jable to coastal tourism. If you are visiting the island, discover our guided excursions and activities in Fuerteventura and stay up to date with the Fuerteventura news feed.
