Photo: Revista Puerto/FIS

'Tony' Solimeno, critic in Revista Puerto about the quota system for hake

ARGENTINA
Thursday, November 21, 2024, 00:10 (GMT + 9)

In an interview with Revista Puerto, Antonio "Tony" Solimeno, owner of the fishing company of the same name, expressed his discontent with the Executive's management regarding the renewal of the hubbsi hake quotas, describing the handling of the issue by the Federal Fisheries Council as "shameful."

Solimeno criticizes that his company has been used as an excuse by the Undersecretary of Fisheries to justify the lack of decisions, accusing him of playing with uncertainty and not respecting the Federal Fisheries Law.

Photo: Revista Puerto

Quotation and Federal Fisheries Law

Solimeno demands that the current law be applied, which establishes the automatic renewal of quotas under certain conditions, which his company has complied with. He points out that he has made significant investments based on this regulation and now faces arbitrary changes that he considers a lack of seriousness on the part of the authorities. His position is clear: he is not seeking to be granted more quota or to reduce that of others, but rather that the legal framework be respected.

Criticism of the Executive's Justifications

The businessman rejects the explanation of the Undersecretary, who used a note sent by Solimeno and another company as an argument for not defining the quotas. For Solimeno, this is a crude excuse lacking substance. In addition, he questions the extension of the expired quotas, calling it a temporary and inadequate solution in the face of the need for long-term security.

Impact on the Sector and the Market

Solimeno warns that the lack of clarity harms the fishing sector and the market. He states that the excess of hake assigned to the provinces has flooded the market, affecting prices. For example, hake fillets destined for Brazil are sold at ridiculous prices, below 3,000 dollars, which, combined with the increase in costs in dollars and a monthly inflation of 8%, puts the sustainability of companies and employment at risk.

Economic and Social Concerns

The businessman regrets that the discussion on quotas has absorbed the entire 2024, diverting attention from other urgent problems such as falling prices and low demand. He warns that, if measures are not taken, companies will begin to consume their working capital in 2025. He also criticizes the tax burden, exorbitant energy costs and the lack of updating in rates.

Relationship with the Government

Solimeno feels mistreated by officials and points out that the uncertainty generated by the Executive has sown distrust in the sector. He rejects the possibility of tenders mentioned by the Undersecretary of Fisheries, arguing that this option ignores the investments made in fleets, factories and the employment generated. He emphasizes that companies play an important social role and that the State cannot ignore the implications of its decisions.

The businessman demands seriousness and respect from the authorities, stressing that political decisions have damaged the fishing sector and its workers. He points out that the lack of clarity and predictability in public management affects not only companies, but also the communities that depend on fishing activity.

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