Fishermen protest new ordinance limiting access to Espíritu Santo River mouth
April 23, 2024 | Senate, Committees, Legislative, Puerto Rico
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The Vista Pública de la Comisión de Iniciativas Comunitarias, Salud Mental y Adicción held on April 23, 2024, focused on critical issues affecting local fishermen and the environmental health of the Río Espíritu Santo. The meeting addressed the challenges posed by sedimentation at the river's mouth, which has significantly impacted fishing activities in the area.
The session began with discussions on the accessibility of the river's mouth, where fishermen expressed frustration over restricted access due to private property claims by a nearby hotel. Testimonies highlighted that fishermen often face delays and losses in time and fuel while waiting for the tide to rise, exacerbated by the lack of access to the riverbank.
A key point of contention was the recent municipal ordinance, referred to as Ordinance 18, which was implemented without consulting the local fishing community. Fishermen voiced their surprise and disappointment at being excluded from discussions that directly affect their livelihoods. They emphasized their expertise in managing fishing practices and expressed a desire for more collaborative decision-making with local authorities.
The conversation shifted to the environmental factors contributing to the sedimentation problem. Participants suggested that the sediment buildup is not a natural occurrence but rather a result of environmental issues, possibly linked to construction activities and land use changes in the area. They proposed conducting studies to identify the causes of sedimentation and to develop strategies for restoring access to the river.
Several solutions were discussed, including the possibility of dredging the river or removing sediment to improve access for fishermen. The community also proposed the establishment of monitoring systems to track rainfall and river flow, which would help predict when the river mouth is accessible for fishing.
The meeting concluded with a call for further research and collaboration between the fishing community, environmental experts, and local government to address these pressing issues. Participants expressed hope that by working together, they could find sustainable solutions that benefit both the local economy and the environment.
The session began with discussions on the accessibility of the river's mouth, where fishermen expressed frustration over restricted access due to private property claims by a nearby hotel. Testimonies highlighted that fishermen often face delays and losses in time and fuel while waiting for the tide to rise, exacerbated by the lack of access to the riverbank.
A key point of contention was the recent municipal ordinance, referred to as Ordinance 18, which was implemented without consulting the local fishing community. Fishermen voiced their surprise and disappointment at being excluded from discussions that directly affect their livelihoods. They emphasized their expertise in managing fishing practices and expressed a desire for more collaborative decision-making with local authorities.
The conversation shifted to the environmental factors contributing to the sedimentation problem. Participants suggested that the sediment buildup is not a natural occurrence but rather a result of environmental issues, possibly linked to construction activities and land use changes in the area. They proposed conducting studies to identify the causes of sedimentation and to develop strategies for restoring access to the river.
Several solutions were discussed, including the possibility of dredging the river or removing sediment to improve access for fishermen. The community also proposed the establishment of monitoring systems to track rainfall and river flow, which would help predict when the river mouth is accessible for fishing.
The meeting concluded with a call for further research and collaboration between the fishing community, environmental experts, and local government to address these pressing issues. Participants expressed hope that by working together, they could find sustainable solutions that benefit both the local economy and the environment.
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