'I am convinced that if the previous undersecretary had been in charge, it would not have been so easy. Everyone would have had to pay'

'We must celebrate: it’s the first time quotas have been assigned without paying bribes'

ARGENTINA
Wednesday, December 11, 2024, 00:10 (GMT + 9)

Fernando Álvarez Castellano, president of Conarpesa, shared his opinion on the recent decision by the Federal Fisheries Council (CFP) to approve the quota system for hubbsi hake until 2039.

In an interview with Parte de Pesca, Álvarez highlighted the importance of this measure, pointing out that it provides certainty for quota holders by securing this asset for 15 years. He also valued the increase in the quota assigned to the province of Santa Cruz as a positive step.

“In our case, we have about 1,000 tons from the fresh fish vessels, but beyond that, the country needs to show the world that it is serious and offers predictability,” said the businessman. According to him, this decision is crucial for companies to plan investments and for business groups such as Iberconsa, Pescapuerta, Solimeno, and Moscuzza to consolidate their balance sheets. “Until now, these quotas were an asset in the air,” he remarked.

Álvarez also praised the approach of the current national government and emphasized the transparency of the process: “What benefits the sector and doesn’t harm me seems fantastic. I’d rather everyone prosper and not be involved in rumors about bribes. With this measure, everyone can continue working in peace.”

Criticism of Previous Administrations

The businessman suggested that this progress would not have been possible under the leadership of previous national fisheries authorities: “I’m convinced that if the former undersecretary (Carlos Liberman) had been in charge, it wouldn’t have been so easy. Everyone would have had to pay a fee,” he insinuated.

Photo: CONARPESA/FIS

Increase in the DUE

Álvarez also addressed the increase in the Single Extraction Fee (DUE) that quota holders must pay. According to him, this is a reasonable cost given the previous threat that the quotas would be auctioned: “If we have to pay a bit more for the DUE, we’ll have to do it. This ensures another 15 years of stability, and that’s great news for the sector,” he emphasized.

Finally, he stressed that the process was carried out without the irregularities that have historically affected the sector: “It’s the first time something of this magnitude happens without any strange stories. There were rumors, but common sense prevailed. The companies have their quotas secured, and Santa Cruz received additional tons that will benefit the province. There should be no reason for complaints.”

Related News:

• Key decision: Argentina renews common hake quotas until 2039

• 'Allocation or extension for one year of CITC for common hake': This week it will be debated in the Federal Fisheries Council

• What is happening with the quota allocation for Patagonian hake? CAPEAR ALFA asks: Do they want to auction it off?

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

• Justice Department Investigates Federal Fisheries Council Over Alleged Bribery in Quota System

• Opinion: Delaying the allocation of Fishing Quotas is serious

• While they fight over the hake...Who looks at the anchovy and the mackerel?

• Opinion: The waters are getting murky

• Opinion: The fishing kite

• The 15 'palos' (U$D million) bribe for passing the green light

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