Clashes Erupt Outside Chile’s Congress Amid Fishing Law Controversy
Protests erupted in Valparaiso following the postponement of a fishing law vote by a Senate commission aimed at reshaping quotas for fishers. Police clashed with demonstrators, raising concerns over the law’s impact favoring industrial companies. Artisanal fishers continue their struggle for equitable rights amid ongoing legislative challenges.
On Tuesday, protests erupted outside Chile’s Congress in Valparaiso after a Senate commission postponed a vote on a contentious fishing law aimed at redistributing quotas between artisanal and industrial fishers. Police employed tear gas and water cannons to disperse the demonstrators, resulting in injuries among law enforcement and multiple detentions. Protesters attempted to breach the building’s gates, showcasing their discontent over perceived favoritism towards large fishing companies.
Several thousand fishermen had earlier gathered at the Valparaiso docks to voice their opposition against the law, carrying banners proclaiming, “The Sea is Not For Sale.” Hugo Poblete, a union leader, indicated that the law originally allotted significant percentages of fish species to artisanal fishers, such as 70% for hake and 90% for cuttlefish, critical to their livelihoods.
However, as the legislation progressed through the Senate, the provisions benefitting artisanal fishers have been diminished, igniting further protests. The Senate commission’s decision to defer the vote only intensified the clashes between protesters and police, who initiated a strong response to control the situation.
Chile’s Sonapesca, representing the largest industrial fishing firms, has not provided a comment on the ongoing events. The fishing law may face additional delays and challenges before it is finalized, prompting artisanal fishers to persist in their advocacy for equitable rights in the fishing industry. Susana Olea, a lifelong artisanal fisher from Lebu, emphasized the broader impact of the changes on various community members tied to the fishing economy.
Olea called for specific measures, such as declaring cuttlefish solely for artisanal fishers, to rejuvenate the diminishing industry due to reduced fishing areas. The conflicts highlight the ongoing struggles faced by local fishers amidst legislative disputes and economic challenges.
This article underscores the rising tensions between artisanal fishers and law enforcement in Chile, sparked by the postponement of a crucial fishing law vote. The protests reveal fears among local fishers regarding the potential erosion of their livelihoods due to legislative decisions favoring industrial fishing entities. Continued advocacy for equitable fishing rights persists as the future of the fishing law remains uncertain.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
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