Linea Directa 200 LEFT COL CAR INSURANCE

PROPERTY SEARCH

Date Published: 24/03/2022

ARCHIVED - Calpe prepares to do battle after fish farm extension is given the go-ahead

ARCHIVED ARTICLE

The Town Hall has pledged to "fight" to get the approved expansion of Calpe marine farm overturned

<span style='color:#780948'>ARCHIVED</span> - Calpe prepares to do battle after fish farm extension is given the go-ahead

The Valencia government's controversial decision to authorise the expansion of a fish farm off the coast of Calpe has prompted a strategic meeting between the Town Hall and five major associations to build a big enough case to force the Generalitat to withdraw its approval.

The green light means the fish farm will potentially produce 3,000 tonnes of fish each year, and there are grave concerns about the impact on the local marine environment, the fishing industry and tourism.

Last June, various political groups organised a public protest (pictured) against the plans to increase the number of floating cages off Calpe's coast from 12 to 45, with the support of the Association of Businessmen and Traders of Calpe (AEMCO).

But despite huge opposition, the plans were given the green light at a regional level last week, prompting this week's meeting.

In addition to council representatives, members of the Hotel Association of Calpe, Calpe Fishermen's Guild, the Cultural and Ecologist Association of Calpe (ACEC), the Marina Alta Ecologists in Action and the Royal Yacht Club of Calpe were present at the 'strategy building' meeting on Wednesday March 24.

All of the associations have expressed their "categorical opposition" and during the meeting, the possibility of creating a platform to organise and coordinate protests or a petition, as well as information campaigns and talks was raised.

But more importantly, it's hoped two main arguments put froward could put enough pressure on the regional government to reconsider.

Firstly, Richard Barreno, a member of the Marina Baixa branch of Eologists in Action and the Governing Board of the Serra Gelada Natural Park, who was invited as a special guest, pointed out that between 15 and 20% of the feed fed to the fish at the farm in question is antibiotics.

"Fish are not supposed to live in cages and as such, being caged they create diseases so are given antibiotics to avoid them, but the prolonged use could pose potential harm for any other living being."

Secondly, unlike the Natural Resources Management Plan for the Serra Gelada Natural Park, the one for the Penyal d'Ifac Natural Park – which is where the farm is located – does not set a limit on the size of fish farms within its designated area.

"What is stopping them from continuing to expand the fish farm in a few years time? We are talking about the future of Calpe after a period of five to 10 years; there is no limit to the potential destruction," Barreno warned.

In addition to building a case that reflects the opinions of the town associations, the council has commissioned a technical report that will serve as the basis for the appeal, and has insisted that "it must provide new arguments that have not been previously refuted by the Generalitat".

"We are going to use all the means at our disposal to continue in this fight which we want the whole town of Calpe to join because the future of our municipality is at stake," added Calpe Mayor, Ana Sala.

You might also like: Spain tries to build first commercial octopus farm in the world amid fierce opposition

Images: Ayuntamiento de Calpe

Linea Directa Bottom Article A-L CAR INSURANCE

Sign up for the Spanish News Today Editors Roundup Weekly Bulletin and get an email with all the week’s news straight to your inbox

Special offer: Subscribe now for 25% off (36.95 euros for 48 Bulletins)