Ports, 6 million call for infrastructure to support fishing in Sicily

Six million euro to strengthen the physical infrastructure in fishing ports, or landing places, improve traceability of production, invest in information technology.

These are the objectives of the call for 'Small land-based infrastructural interventions at the service of sea fishing', published on the website of the Sicilian Regional Department of Mediterranean Fisheries.

The call is part of the strategic objective 'A More Sustainable Europe', which aims to promote ecological fishing, restoration and conservation of aquatic biological resources.

Specifically, the aim is to strengthen sustainable fishing activities from an economic, social and environmental point of view, promoting investments on board and in ports to increase the quality of production and improve landing conditions for unwanted catches. Priority will also be given to improving the working conditions, health and safety of operators.

"The objective," commented the Sicilian Region's Agriculture Councillor, Salvatore Barbagallo, "is to overcome the critical issues reported by the sector's operators that hinder the smooth running of activities, starting with the lack of basic infrastructure, such as facilities for preserving the catch, safe loading/unloading areas, sanitary facilities, and supply points.