Compensation adjustment for damage to nets on fishing vessels over 12 meters under review
The Ministry of Rural Development is reviewing the possibility of adjusting compensation for damage to fishing gear, such as nets, particularly for fishing vessels over 12 meters, according to a written reply by the Deputy Minister of Rural Development responsible for fisheries, Mr Kellas, to Dodecanese MP Mr Manos Konsolas.
The reply states that if the assessment indicates a need for revised amounts, the Special Management Service of the “Fisheries, Aquaculture and the Sea” programme 2021-2027 will update the compensation-calculation methodology, taking into account recent qualitative, quantitative and financial data on the fishing fleet and its activity, when issuing a new call.
The issue had been raised through a parliamentary intervention by Mr Konsolas, who referred to damage to fishing equipment caused by marine mammals and protected species. He noted that for owners of vessels over 12 meters, compensation is set at roughly €12 per working day and argued it should be recalibrated and improved. He also proposed that fishers suffering damage to their equipment should be insured and eligible for compensation in view of the upcoming reform of ELGA’s regulations. The reply indicates that the possibility of expanding ELGA coverage to include fishers is being examined.
