Algarve-elected PSD MPs want the Government to suspend the charging of expensive license fees to Algarvian shellfish-catchers who are affected by periods of total or partial bans of shellfish harvesting, which are enacted by the IPMA.
Cristóvão Norte, Rui Cristina and Ofélia Ramos speak of “hundreds of shellfish harvesters unable to catch shellfish”, sometimes for several months, such as those who catch in the designated Olhão area, where there has been an outright ban on harvesting “since the 3rd of March. However, they continue to pay fees, which in some cases exceed well over €1000 per year”.
“The ban in question is the result of faecal bacteria contamination in the water, which has led harvesters and environmental associations to point out that the pollution is due to illegal and uncontrolled dumping of waste directly from the city of Olhão to Ria Formosa” pointed out the Social Democrats.
They also argue that “the Mayor of Olhão justifies this contamination by saying it’s due to previous leaks from the old wastewater treatment facility”, which has now been shut down.
“It is not understandable that nothing is being done, even less because of the injustice of charging people who are unable to work and being without their livelihoods.”
“For years there have been complaints, I have echoed them myself in previous moments, but nothing has been done. It is a nightmare for these people and indulgence can only lead to the destruction of Ria Formosa's economy and its productive potential,” said Cristóvão Norte.
PSD MPs are set to question, in a letter to be sent to the Ministry of the Environment, "for the collection of license fees for the affected shellfish-harvesters to be suspended".
