The counselor of Rural Development and Fishing of the Government of Cantabria, María Jesús Susinos, has announced that her department has initiated the process to re-enable a aid line of 500,000 euros, with the aim of compensating "the disastrous fishing season of the horse mackerel this year".
According to the regional Executive in a note, the amount will be identical to what the fishermen received this year and for the same reason.
"From the Government of Buruaga we are going to help again the boats of fixed and smaller gear, just as we did last year, because we are aware of the difficult situation that this segment of the fleet has been experiencing in recent years, which represents many families and which, indirectly, also generates many jobs," the counselor has pointed out.
Susinos has emphasized that it is a "key" fishing season for the 70 boats of fixed and smaller gear, "which are fundamental" for the regional economy.
In this line, she has criticized "the continuous abandonment of the Ministry of Fishing," which, as she has specified, "always responds negatively to our requests for it to articulate some direct aid to alleviate this situation".
On the other hand, the head of Rural Development and Fishing has highlighted that her department has reinforced the allocation aimed at boosting the Cantabrian canning industry, increasing by one million euros the budget allocation for this year, which goes from 3.5 to 4.5 million euros for projects of transformation and marketing of fishing and aquaculture products.
"We have made an important effort that is bearing fruit, as it has been very well received by the canning sector of our Community, also allowing to increase the intensity of the aid, going from 34 to 42 percent of the subsidizable investment presented by the beneficiaries," Susinos has specified.
She has reminded that among the expenses that can be covered by these subsidies are the construction, expansion, modernization, and conditioning of properties; the purchase of machinery, installations, and first-use equipment; general costs; software programs; internal transport means, and the acquisition of laboratory equipment and furniture, among other concepts.
The councilor has attended the main mass and, subsequently, has participated in the traditional delivery of flags to the Brotherhood, specifically three banners -Spain, Cantabria, and Colindres-, in addition to the one from Colindres for the 100 local boats.
During the event, a tribute was paid to four veteran members of the Brotherhood of San Ginés, who have been distinguished with a commemorative plaque.
After the festive events, and accompanied by the president of the Brotherhood and the mayor of Colindres, Javier Incera, the person in charge of Fishing has toured the 14 booths set up for the celebration.