Cry of alert from the Algarve – fishing association feels increasingly sidelined

Yet another example of a public consultation process where members of the public feel they are are up against decisions already taken; that authorities are just ‘ticking a box’ that has to be ticked, and moving on with their own agendas has come today, in the Algarve, from the Baleeira Sport and Recreational Fishing association.

The appeal, over social media, is poignant:

“Today we are not writing solely on behalf of an association.

“We are writing on behalf of hundreds of men and women who live by the sea, who respect it, who protect it, and who feel that their voices are being ignored.

“Over the past few months, we have taken part in meetings to discuss the future of the Pedra do Valado Marine Reserve. We did what was asked of us. We participated. We submitted proposals. We raised questions. We requested clarification. We sent well-founded documents. We sought dialogue.

“But the impression that remains is deeply concerning.

“While sea users are trying to contribute in a serious and constructive way, their concerns seem to be falling on deaf ears. Questions remain unanswered. Requests for clarification receive no response. Alternatives that have been put forward are not discussed.

“It is becoming increasingly difficult to dismiss the idea that the fundamental decisions have already been made and that public participation exists merely to fulfill a formality.

“If that is not the case, then why do so many questions raised by associations and directly-affected users continue to go unanswered?

“We are not against protecting the sea.

“We are fishermen, sailors, and sea users, and at the same time its guardians. We are the first to want to preserve marine resources for future generations. The sea is part of our identity, our culture, and our way of life.

“What we cannot accept is that decisions with a profound impact on local communities are made without genuine dialogue, without transparency, and without respect for those who know this reality firsthand every day.

“In the Algarve, there is a growing feeling that recreational and sport fishing is being treated as a problem to be eliminated rather than as a legitimate, regulated activity with social, cultural, and economic importance.

“We ask only for what should be normal in a democratic state:

* That people are heard;

* That questions are answered;

* That studies are presented;

* That alternatives are analysed;

* That decisions are explained;

* That local communities are respected.

“We do not want privileges.

“We want genuine participation.

“We want transparency.

“We want respect.

“And we want the members of the Assembly of the Republic (parliament), local authorities, and all competent entities to know that there is an entire community that feels increasingly excluded from a process that should unite rather than divide.

“We still believe that balanced solutions can be found.

“But for that to happen, those who live by the sea must be listened to, not simply decided for.”

Baleeira Sport and Recreational Fishing Association

People, all over the country – whether they feel threatened by millions of solar panels plastering landscapes, battalions of wind turbines thronging their hills, endless lines of high tension cables stretching into the distance, or the horror of open pit mining beside previously unspoilt agricultural villages – are rising up, and joining forces, to make their voices heard.

Sources: Associação da Baleeira/ Facebook groups