Artisanal fishermen in Tierra del Fuego are denouncing the increasing blockage of access to the sea by ranch owners. Orlando Genes , a fisherman with more than twenty years of experience , reported that in ranches such as La Fueguina , La Pirinaica and María Luisa, fences have been installed and ditches have been dug, obstructing access to coastal areas essential for their activity.
" These actions not only hinder our work, but also violate a law that ensures free transit along the coast. We have been protesting for years without seeing significant changes ," said Genes .
In addition to access difficulties, fishermen reported threats and damage to their tools and vehicles , attributed to the owners of the ranches.
" Officials have distanced themselves from responsibility for these attacks and have recommended that we file police reports. We appreciate dialogue, but we need real solutions. We are only asking for the right to work with dignity ," the official added.
Genes also stressed that, according to Law 244 , fencing is prohibited within 50 meters of the highest tide . However, at the La Fueguina ranch, which belongs to legislator Jorge Lechman (MPF) , fences and posts have been placed along the access to the sea, completely blocking it .
These types of actions have also been reported in the estancias of the Sevillano family and the Chilean Edy Vargaz in Pirinaica and María Luisa , respectively, in violation of article 19 of the same law that guarantees public corridors on the coasts.
" I think the situation will not change because we have been hearing the same promises for 20 years and the ranchers continue to act in their own way. We appreciate that we have been heard, but now we expect concrete actions ," said Genes.
In response to the recent complaints, the Government of Tierra del Fuego held a meeting in Tolhuin , where the Minister of Production and Environment, Karina Daniela Fernández , participated, along with the Undersecretary of Fisheries, Diego Marcioni , and other officials.
There they heard the accusations of the fishermen , who demand compliance with Law 244 , which guarantees right-of-way to the coast.
During this meeting, government representatives agreed to inspect the affected areas and hold talks with the ranch owners . The possibility of creating specific shelters for fishermen was also considered.
Fishing activity in the region focuses on the capture of various species , such as sea bass , silverside , salmon , roosterfish , pompano and dogfish , which are sold to private consumers, restaurants and hotels in Ushuaia, Río Grande and Tolhuin .
" We do everything in accordance with the regulations: we declare our nets and pay the corresponding permits, which this year amounted to approximately 100 thousand pesos to Natural Resources ," explained Genes .
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