The Vila Real de Santo António City Council unanimously approved the granting of financial support, in the amount of 6500 euros, to the Manta Rota Fishing Association, in order to minimize the damage caused by the bad weather in March, whose material damage prevented fishermen from returning to the sea.
According to the fishermen, the existing vessels are currently unable to operate, as the storms that hit the entire Algarve coast have destroyed a good part of their gear.
The decision to support seamen «takes into account the fact that, at this time, there are no lines of financing that would allow them to continue their professional activity or support the purchase of new material», explains the Chamber of VRSA.
On the other hand, the fact that they were unable to return to work put the renewal of licenses at risk, as they comply with a minimum invoicing quota.
“Given the difficulties of the fishermen of Manta Rota in resuming their activity and, consequently, in guaranteeing the subsistence of their families, the municipality of Vila Real de Santo António could not remain indifferent to this situation”, says Conceição Cabrita, president of the City Council.
“For this reason, the municipal government unanimously approved to grant financial support so that the fishermen of Manta Rota and Praia da Lota can acquire new gear and thus resume their normal activity,” notes the mayor.
The amount awarded will be handed over to the Manta Rota Fishing Association, which will distribute the funds equitably for each vessel.
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