Clashes Erupt in Chile as Protests Against Delayed Fishing Law Intensify
Protests occurred outside of Chile’s Congress following a delayed vote on a fishing law meant to redistribute quotas. Clashes ensued between police and demonstrators, primarily artisanal fishers who oppose the law favoring industrial companies. Union leaders highlighted the reduced quotas and ongoing debates that could threaten traditional fishing communities’ livelihoods.
Protests erupted outside Chile’s national Congress in Valparaiso, where police discharged tear gas and utilized water cannons against demonstrators after a Senate commission delayed a vote on a contentious fishing law. This legislation aims to redistribute fishing quotas between artisanal and industrial fishers, a delay that triggered clashes resulting in injuries and several arrests, as protesters attempted to breach the Congress gates.
Thousands of fishermen assembled at Valparaiso docks, voicing their opposition to the law, which they believe benefits only a handful of large industrial fishing firms. Protesters prominently displayed banners stating “The Sea is Not For Sale” in Spanish, underscoring their discontent with the proposed legislation.
Union leader Hugo Poblete of Quintero highlighted that the current debate revolves around the quota distribution between artisanal and industrial fishers. Initially, artisanal fishers were allocated significant shares (70% for hake and 90% for cuttlefish). However, as the bill progressed through the Senate, these shares were reduced, prompting protests. Following the Senate commission’s decision to postpone the vote, tensions escalated, leading to police efforts to disperse the crowd.
Sonapesca, representing the country’s major industrial fishing companies, did not provide comments upon request. As discussions are set to continue, the bill could encounter further challenges before implementation. Artisanal fishers remain committed to advocating for fair fishing rights, concerned for their livelihoods.
Susana Olea, an artisanal fisher for many years, expressed the broader impact of the declining fishing industry, stating, “It’s not just the fishers, it’s all the people related to the sea.” Olea reflected on the drastic changes over the past years for workers in the fishing community, revealing how the availability of fish has diminished, leading to a significant loss of jobs. She called for cuttlefish to be exclusively reserved for artisanal fishers to aid in revitalizing the sector.
The protests against the delayed fishing law vote reflect deep-rooted concerns among artisanal fishers regarding equitable quotas with industrial counterparts. Clashes with police highlight the desperation in the fishing community, which fears for its survival amid rising industrial dominance. As debates continue, the fate of the fishing law will have significant implications for the livelihoods of those dependent on the sea in Chile.
Original Source: www.thestar.com.my
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