GSD concerned about fishing

Fishing with nets and raking in British Gibraltar waters continues today despite a GSLP/Liberal 2011 manifesto pledge to end the practice, the GSD has said.

Three Spanish fishing boats were seen and photographed this week raking on the west side of the runway very near the artificial reef.

In a statement the Opposition said it has received reports that although these fishing boats were accompanied by a Guardia Civil vessel in the early hours of the morning they were on their own later for quite some time.

“This is by no means an isolated incident and the artificial reef, whilst successful in regenerating marine life, has also attracted Spanish fishermen to it, and they have been able to fish in the area without sufficient deterrent,” the GSD said.

The GSD said it also receives complaints from local fishermen that the law is being enforced against them and not Spanish fishermen.

Trevor Hammond, Shadow Minister for the environment said: “It would be arrogant of the Government to suggest that it has dealt with this problem. The fact is that the rule of law in BGTW is being breached on a weekly and sometimes daily basis.”

“The Nature Protection Act is not being enforced against these fishermen, the recommendations of the Government’s own fishing report are being ignored and this must join the long list of 2011 manifesto pledges which the Government has failed to deliver.”

“It begs the question: whatever happened to the “aqui no se pesca” slogan of the GSLP-Liberals when they were first elected.”