Representatives from the Costa Tropical Sports Fishermen's Association met with the mayor of Salobreña, Pedro Javier Ortega, in a meeting described as "cordial, constructive, and dialogical." The primary goal was to convey the collective's concerns regarding the Tesorillo-Salobreña ZEC, which spans both the municipalities of Salobreña and Almuñécar, highlighting the need for effective institutional coordination and the involvement of all affected sectors.
During the meeting, the association presented proposals previously developed for the Punta de la Mona area, supported by biology and environmental specialists, as well as the direct experience of recreational and self-consumption fishermen. These initiatives will be formally submitted for study within the ZEC framework.
The Tesorillo-Salobreña ZEC can become a pioneering example in the province of Granada and in Andalusia, demonstrating that it is possible to reconcile marine environment conservation with sustainable use by recreational and self-consumption fishermen.
The mayor and the Salobreña Environment councilor listened attentively to the demands, acknowledging their coherence and committing to a thorough study of the situation. Meanwhile, the association plans to request the corresponding administrative file from the Junta de Andalucía regarding environmental matters, fostering a climate of understanding and collaboration.
Furthermore, the Costa Tropical Sports Fishermen's Association will initiate a series of contacts with other political groups and involved administrations, including municipal officials from Motril and representatives from local entities such as Carchuna-Calahonda and Castell de Ferro. The purpose is to anticipate and prevent conflicts, similar to those experienced in Punta de la Mona, where a lack of prior dialogue led to significant social tensions.
The association emphasizes the importance of both the municipality and the fishing community actively participating in working groups and dialogues. This aims to ensure a harmonious coexistence between environmental conservation and traditional fishing activities, preventing the exclusion of the local population and promoting a sustainable, participatory, and conflict-free management model. The Costa Tropical Sports Fishermen's Association reaffirms its commitment to defending the sector, respecting the marine environment, and seeking balanced solutions that benefit society as a whole.
