Mario Cabrera Calls for Urgent Action on El Cotillo Fishing Shelter

“This action will represent a significant improvement for professionals, athletes and users who make use of this space in the town.”

Mario Cabrera González, deputy of the Canary Nationalist Group (CCa), addressed the Commission on Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food Sovereignty to demand a faster execution of the works needed to adapt the El Cotillo fishing shelter. He stressed that the intervention is “especially important in a community with a deep-rooted fishing tradition.”

Funding and Timeline

• The project is allocated €200,000 in the current Canary Islands government budget.
• Cabrera asked for the planned calendar for the start of the works, noting that the funding is already earmarked for this fiscal year.

Origin of the Initiative

• The request follows a demand from the Municipality of La Oliva and a commitment made by the regional fisheries councilor, Narvay Quintero, during a sectoral meeting in November with local officials at the Asamblea Majorera – Coalición Canaria Fuerteventura headquarters.

Project Scope (approved by the Government Council in 2025)

• Resurfacing and conditioning of the breakwater, gates and piers.
• Installation of a stranding boat carriage, a new diesel tank, and improved signage in the area.

Challenges Facing the Sector

Cabrera highlighted that the fishing community is currently enduring a difficult season marked by:

“Poor catches due to adverse weather and sea conditions, rising fuel costs, and uncertainty generated by new European policies linked to the 2028‑2034 Multi‑annual Financial Framework.”

He warned that these factors threaten the competitiveness of a key activity for the primary sector and the identity of the archipelago.

“From the Canary Islands we must guarantee the best possible conditions for the development of this activity.”

Importance of Adequate Infrastructure

Cabrera emphasized that providing proper facilities is essential for:

• Food sovereignty of the islands.
• Preserving a deeply rooted artisanal fishing tradition, especially in small fishing villages where generations have relied on the sea, such as El Cotillo.

He also called for the removal of debris and repair of the piers that were severely damaged by recent storms, which have prevented vessels from docking.

Councilor’s Response

Narvay Quintero announced an integral improvement plan for the fishing pier, which will include:

• Modification of the breakwater to give the harbor greater shelter against rough seas.
• New lighting and perimeter fencing to enhance safety.
• Installation of a 10,000‑liter diesel tank serving both the fishing and recreational fleets.

Quintero explained that the delay in starting the works is due to the incorporation of these additional improvements into the contract, aiming to fully adapt the infrastructure to municipal needs. He assured that construction is slated to begin before the summer.