The problems faced by the fishermen discussed at a meeting held by the Minister of Rural Development and Food, Costas Tsiaras With the Association of Professional Fisheries of Heraklion, in the Venetian port of the city.

The president of the Association, Yiannis Androulakis and the fishermen, focused on the disaster of the fish and their equipment by the hare, as well as the damage it creates in the island’s marine ecosystem. lionfishwhich eats the eggs of local catch and creates a huge issue in the reproductive process, but is a fish that can be exploited. In fact, the fishermen showed the minister the nets damaged by fish.

Mr Tsiaras pointed out the need for strategic planning for fishing and said that the creation of an subsidized program – respectively to that of Cyprus – was being considered through which fishermen will be subsidized to fish the hare heads so as to achieve their population. In fact, ELKETHE has created Special longline and nets for the hare heads.

The minister stressed that the YPATA stands next to fishermen In addressing the problem and planning a program to deal with it:

“While fishing is a very important industry in the primary sector, a industry that has been creating goodwill and added value to the Greek production process, has been facing a number of problems in recent years. And by reducing fishing stocks but mainly with the invasion of new species. The concern that exists puts us on alert and a design of measures that the Greek state must take to support fishing. On our part, especially lately, using Palinth’s resources, we have given help and support to a very large number of fishermen in our country. ” he said. He added that ‘Measures have already been taken for mammals » and fishermen have been funded to cover the damage caused.

“Because this is a complex problem that is evolving, we are awaiting the latest scientific views in order to devise a plan to deal with the problem. We are here to support fishing, to support Crete, ”, he said.

The minister, accompanied by Mr. Yiannis Androulakis, the Vice -Mayor of Primary Sector, Stavros Tzedakis and the President of the Heraklion Port Authority, Yiannis Vardava, They also visited the works done in the fishing shelter.

“The Ministry of Rural Development and Food, through PALYTH. It manufactures fishing shelters – something you know very well – and supports fishing in general through policies that are shaped according to the conditions of the time. At the same time, the Greek state gives the present and proves its interest in the maintenance and development of fishing. ” Mr. Tsiaras pointed out.

As the Minister pointed out, the big bet is to attract new people to the primary sector and fishing, a problem that must be addressed, as he stressed, within the new CAP.

“My presence here proves our intention to support fisheries in Crete and in general an effort that concerns people who are struggling, giving themselves and their souls in a very difficult job. At the same time, however, they are ambassadors of a valuable Greek product – the catches – which are unique and give immediate added value to the country.

As part of the public dialogue that has begun in the face of the new joint agricultural policy after 2027, the first priority is to attract new people to the primary sector. This is not only a Greek, but a European and global problem and must be seriously concerned. The primary sector is the one that ensures food competence and contributes decisively to social cohesion. This requires the redesign of European policies, with the aim of enhancing participation in the primary sector and, in particular, to attract young people. This is the big bet. “

Visit to Carnival

K. Tsiaras, accompanied by Mr. Androulakis, visited the carnival where fishing boats were repaired.

The fishermen thanked the minister for the opportunity to repair their boats, then the funding they received from Palinth to cover damage caused by mammals.

Tissue

After completing the visit of Yiannis Androulakis, President of the Association of Professional Fisheries of Heraklion, he said:

“We are very pleased and happy – not only me, but all the fishermen – from the visit of the Minister of Rural Development and Food.

First of all, Mr. Tsiaras came close to the fishermen, down to the fishing shelter. We discussed the problems and raised him the issues with the invading species, marine mammals, and more generally the problems facing the industry. Man was all good to see the old traditional traditional, aging boats, and find out where the money given to protect against mammals.

The fishermen invested this money on their boats to maintain them – boats that had been maintained for many years and were in danger of being sinking. This man saved us. It was a lifeline in the ocean for us. “

Kostas Tsiaras, among other things, said: “For us, the essential thing is to support people who are active in a particularly difficult field in the primary sector. We need to offer them the support they need at this given moment and plan policies so that in the future, fishing is viable and continue to provide added value – not only to Crete, but as a whole in our country. “