Africa-Press – Cape verde. This Sunday, February 5th, is the Cape Verdean Fisherman’s National Day. All over the country, especially in communities where fishing is the main direct or indirect source of income for several families, the date is being marked with numerous initiatives, carried out especially by local authorities. This year the motto is: “We love the sea”.
According to the last General Fisheries Census, carried out by INE, Cape Verde had, at the end of 2021, about 3,125 artisanal fishermen and 1,403 fishing operators, in a horizon of 1,881 fish sellers.
In terms of vessels, the data pointed to the existence of 1,434 artisanal motor boats (boats) and 127 industrial and semi-industrial fishing vessels.
This year, the National Fisherman’s Day has been celebrated for a few days now, in various municipalities across the country, culminating this Sunday.
Porto Novo
For example, in Porto Novo, the municipality and the Fishermen’s Association of the municipality promoted a Sea Fair at the Covada fish market. Cultural entertainment activities, tasting of fish processing products and lectures, among others.
But the core activities will take place this Sunday, 5th, at Aldeia Cultural Nos Reiz under the motto “Celebrate for a stronger and more resilient fishing sector in Porto Novo”.
Saint Catherine of Santiago
In Santa Catarina de Santiago, under the motto “With the Fishermen, for the Development of the Blue Economy”, the municipality has been carrying out a series of activities in the fishing village of Rincão, in honor of the local fishermen.
Among the activities, a health fair and a gastronomic and agribusiness fair stand out, with a focus on boosting income and local businesses.
The highlight of the celebration takes place this Sunday, 5. In addition to two lectures on “Ocean Conservation and Financial Education”, with Silvino Robalo as speaker, and “Transformation of Fish and Conservation”, with Manuel Fortes, the City Council will socialize the rehabilitation project of Casa do Pescador.
On the same day, men’s and women’s swimming competitions are scheduled, in addition to the boat race followed by the traditional popular lunch. In the afternoon, the awards are given, followed by a tribute to the men who made fishing history in that community. The celebrations end with the usual cultural animation on the stage in the main square of Rincão.
Fire
Also in Fogo, the São Filipe council will deliver fishing vessels within the framework of the project “reinforcement of resilience and inclusion of rural communities in the North zone and communities linked to fishing”, granting the two Fishing Cooperatives, Coopesca and Ecopesca , four vessels.
As explained by the municipality cited by Inforpress, Coopesca will be provided with a vessel of six meters and another of eight meters and Ecopesca two vessels of six meters, all fully equipped.
A six-meter equipped vessel will be awarded to the company Djarfogo Paradise, as part of the promotion of the blue economy and nautical tourism. Another vessel of eight meters, in principle, will be destined to the Civil Protection Service, to be delivered later.
In addition to handing over the boats, the municipality of São Filipe will award diplomas of recognition to the oldest fishermen and fishmongers in the municipality.
tarrafal de santiago
Likewise, the City Council of Tarrafal de Santiago is also marking the National Fisherman’s Day with various activities. Yesterday, there was a rowing regatta and swimming competition, among fishermen. Among the planned activities, a highlight is the holding of a eucharistic celebration in honor of fishermen and fishmongers, as well as athletics events involving fishermen and fishmongers.
The celebration of this date, according to the local authority, aims to promote the appreciation of the role of fishermen and the whole class, given the importance of the fishing sector for the development of the country and its economy.
Central activities in São Vicente
It should be noted that the core activities, in terms of protecting the Sea, headed by Abraão Vicente, take place in the city of Mindelo, with various scheduled events.
A Blue Fair and an exhibition of seafood products at the Sea Museum, a boat race and prize giving at Praia de Bote are some of the planned activities. The minister will also be in Salamansa and São Pedro to participate in the scheduled initiatives.
Praia fishermen receive fiberglass boats
It should be noted that, yesterday, the Association of Fishing Operators of Gambôa and the Association of Fishermen and Fishmongers of Achada Grande Trás received 13 artisanal fishing vessels, under the scope of public notice number 1 for the fibering of fishing vessels at national level.
The initiative financed by the Ministry of the Sea, through the Fundo Autónomo das Pescas, is part of the celebration of Fisherman’s Day, which this year takes place under the motto “We love the sea”.
The date, remember, was instituted by the resolution of the Council of Ministers no 5/2003 of July 24, with a view to giving fair recognition to Cape Verdean fishermen and honoring the memory of all those who over the years have dedicated to fishing activity.
On the other hand, it aims to alert the population to the need for greater appreciation of fishing activity and encourage fishing communities to participate and enjoy the national development process.
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