Building of reef sparks protests
Print Edition
Spanish fishermen in some 60 fishing boats protested yesterday the building of an artificial reef near the disputed British territory of Gibraltar. The construction of the reef has soured relations between Madrid and London.
The fishermen claim the reef of around 70 concrete blocks — some with steel rods protruding — can snare and damage their nets, something that has stopped them from fishing there.
“What are we losing? A bay full of seafood,” said fisherman Manuel Morente. “That’s where we all used to fish, and now it’s full of blocks.”
The protest was monitored by a dozen Spanish and Gibraltar police vessels that prevented the fishing boats from getting near the reef.
Gibraltar’s government, led by Chief Minister Fabian Picardo, says the reef protects fish stocks from being over-exploited.
Spain ceded sovereignty of Gibraltar to Britain in 1713, but has sought to regain the tiny southern enclave.
The latest dispute has led to a spike in tensions, with Spain’s Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy saying he will take all legal measures to defend his country’s interests.
Among steps taken by Spain are border checks on cars entering and leaving Gibraltar, leading to long queues that can take hours to clear.
Many Spaniards, and Gibraltarians who chose to live in Spain, commute to work every day across the border.
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