Government Offers Alternatives for Trawlers

Guillermo Moran Velasquez, Aquaculture and Fisheries Deputy Minister said the Government through the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Aquaculture and Fisheries MAGAP and Aquaculture and Fisheries Deputy Minister, has devised a contingency plan for the crew and vessel owners affected.

Alternatives include: Access to credit up to $20,000 for crew members who purchase a boat and pursue traditional fishing or, for those who choose to retire to other productive activities. Loans have an interest rate of five per cent with a grace period of three years and a term of 10 years.

With the National Finance Corporation, loans are from $50,000 for owners who choose to modify their boats to go to other fisheries. These have a seven per cent interest with a period grace of two years within a 10 year contract.

For owners who do not wish to continue in the fishery, a compensation programme for the quota granted by boat will be conducted through MAGAP.

Crew members and operators can access the credit by sending a request to the Deputy Minister of Aquaculture and Fisheries indicating the alternative, name of the ship, Ministerial Agreement number, serial number and current fishing permit.