Brotherhood and marine firms voice concern over Corralejo Port

They demand immediate protection of the recreational‑fishing zone and participation in the future expansion of port infrastructure

The Corralejo Fishermen’s Brotherhood and the Fuerteventura Nautical Entrepreneurs Association have today submitted a formal letter to Puertos Canarios, requesting the immediate implementation of projects deemed essential to guarantee the safety and operability of the island’s northern port.

In particular, they urgently call for the construction of a breakwater to protect the recreational‑fishing area, ensuring the safety of the moorings and vessels that are currently exposed to adverse weather phenomena with potentially catastrophic consequences.

“Since the passage of a storm in December 2022 that caused severe damage to the port infrastructure, Corralejo Port has remained vulnerable to inclement weather, especially to easterly storms.”

“This situation not only compromises the safety of vessels and sector professionals, but also seriously affects the integrity of the facilities and the local economic stability.”

The professionals warn of the negative reputational impact that visible new damage in the Bay of Corralejo—a highly significant tourist enclave—could cause the port. They stress that protecting the area must not be seen as an optional improvement, but as a necessary and unavoidable obligation, the statement adds.

The letter also acknowledges that the main northern port of Fuerteventura has seen improvements in recent years thanks to conditioning works. However, the signatories consider these works insufficient, given that Corralejo Port is one of the busiest in the Canary Islands and generates significant revenue for Puertos Canarios, making reinvestment of those earnings essential.

Essential actions still pending

• Loading and unloading zone – a dedicated area for the handling of fish products from professional fishing vessels.
• Operational fuel station – primarily for supplying vessels; its absence forces the use of fuel drums, creating unnecessary risks.
• Tourist service booths – currently provided on a provisional basis for decades, projecting an image inconsistent with Corralejo’s tourism importance.
• Restrooms and complementary services – vital for residents and visitors along the waterfront promenade.
• Regularised parking spaces for professional vehicles – reserving spots for fishing and maritime excursion operators to improve daily operations, mobility, and safety for workers and users.

On the expansion announcement

The organisations representing fishermen and nautical professionals have also reacted to the recent announcement—made through the media by La Oliva Mayor Isaí Blanco and other representatives of Coalición Canaria—of a new project to expand the port and bring it to the level of other archipelago facilities.

While they welcome any improvement initiative, they deem it essential that the project be made public and that professionals be involved from the outset in all planning processes.

“If our support is to be counted on, real mechanisms for participation and technical collaboration must be established, with the common goal of turning Corralejo Port into one of the best in the Canary Islands.”

The signatories assert that Corralejo Port can no longer remain in a provisional state. Consequently, the Fishermen’s Brotherhood and the Nautical Entrepreneurs Association advocate for upgrades that guarantee safety, quality, and an image commensurate with the port’s economic and tourism significance for Fuerteventura.

Summary of demands

• Immediate execution of the protective breakwater for the recreational‑fishing basin.
• Implementation of pending priority projects.
• Publication of a public action calendar.
• Direct participation of the collectives in future developments.