18TH
SEPTEMBER “M” DAY
Will
MonPeSat finally be reintroduced?
According
to sources of the Undersecretariat for Fisheries, next 17th September will be
the last day in which the position satellite monitoring of fishing vessels of
more than 25 m in length will be out
of use.
The
authorities interpret that the thirty days provided by Disposition
No. 2/2003 stipulating the reintroduction of the system are counted from
the date of issue of the rule; besides, they are not clear but working days.
Therefore,
the authorities assert, the
time limit has not expired yet,
and even if some adjustments are needed (see “The fishing vessels satellite
monitoring system...”), the
system would surely come into use by 18th September.
Nothing would please us more but to celebrate with the authorities this small but important achievement that would represent an optimistic moment for those of us who want the sustainable use of marine resources.
It is evident that there are still issues to be discussed, such as the reason why the coastal fleets operating in Buenos Aires province without access to banned zones have to install compulsorily the satellite monitoring system.
However, the important thing for the moment is that this essential fishing control tool be available again on 18th September. Even if our fingers get cramp, we shall keep them crossed until that day.
CeDePesca