Artisan fishermen in Chile protested on March 25, 2023, demanding improved fishing quotas as the Senate discussed a crucial bill. Clashes with riot police occurred after demonstrators faced off with law enforcement. The Senate will resume discussions on March 26, 2023, involving representatives from the fishing community.
On March 25, 2023, protests erupted in Valparaiso, Chile, as artisan fishermen clashed with police during a demonstration demanding better fishing quotas. As the Senate deliberated on a crucial bill regulating fishing quotas, unionized fishers rallied outside the Congress to voice their concerns and push for their needs to be prioritized in the quota distribution process.
The protests were closely monitored by the media, with demonstrators watching the Senate discussions streamed on large screens. Following the session, tensions escalated between the protesters and riot police, who resorted to using water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Small-scale fishermen expressed discontent with the current proposed bill, asserting that the earlier version approved by the Chamber of Deputies offered more favorable quota allocations to address their challenges adequately.
The Senate is set to continue its discussion on March 26, 2023, and will hold hearings involving representatives from both the artisan and industrial fishing sectors, as reported in an official communication.
The protests reflect significant unrest among Chilean artisan fishermen regarding proposed fishing quotas, as they feel the current legislative efforts do not adequately meet their needs. The ongoing discussions in the Senate will be critical in determining the future of fishing regulations in the region, highlighting the importance of balancing the interests of small-scale and industrial fisheries.
Original Source: www.fbcnews.com.fj
