Violent Protests Emerge in Chile Over Fishing Quota Disputes

On Wednesday, violent clashes erupted in Chile as fishermen protested for increased catch quotas, injuring at least 15 officers and one protester. The unrest occurred in Valparaíso, Coquimbo, and Maule, with police employing tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds. Fishermen are advocating for a Senate bill to enhance artisanal fishing rights, which has faced delays, prompting accusations from protest leaders regarding legislative inaction.

On Wednesday, Chile experienced significant unrest as clashes erupted between police and fishermen protesting for increased fishing quotas. The confrontation, which resulted in injuries to at least 15 police officers and one protester, unfolded in Valparaíso and the regions of Coquimbo and Maule. Demonstrators resorted to throwing stones and burning tires, demonstrating their discontent over the Senate’s delay in approving a bill aimed at enhancing artisanal fishing rights.

The police utilized tear gas and water cannons to manage the protest, which Valparaíso’s police chief General Patricia Vasquez described as “very violent”. Seven officers sustained injuries, with one requiring hospitalization due to severe head trauma. In Maule, eight officers were injured, leading to five arrests, while demonstrators sabotaged a police vehicle. In Coquimbo, fishermen effectively blocked the Pan-American Highway, further amplifying their demands for legislative action.

Accusations from the protesters centered around the Senate’s perceived slow movement on a bill that would allocate a larger share of the fishing quota to artisanal fishermen, particularly concerning the hake species. The House of Representatives has already adopted the legislation, which now awaits consideration by the Senate Finance Committee. Miguel Angel Hernandez, president of the Federation of Artisanal Fishermen of Valparaíso, criticized the Senate for potentially reducing allocations for artisanal fisheries. He expressed hope that “the bill is passed immediately.”

The clashes in Chile highlight the ongoing struggles of artisanal fishermen demanding fairer fishing quotas. The violent protests and significant police response underline the urgency of legislative action on the proposed bill, which could redefine fishing rights and allocations. The outcomes of these events may significantly impact the livelihoods of many within the fishing community and the legislative landscape in Chile.

Original Source: www.france24.com