In a statement, the municipality states that at issue is “the possible granting of an Aquaculture Activity Title (TAA) for the expansion of Mediterranean mussel production in the open sea”, between the municipalities of Lagos and Vila do Bispo, by the company Finisterra.

The municipality claims that the establishment of marine waters, with a total area of ​​2,956 square metres, “could harm fishing, boating and tourism and, consequently, the local and Algarve economy and social fabric”.

According to the local authority, hundreds of artisanal fishing vessels operate in the area, and it points out that the expansion “will have a negative impact on the activity, which is a source of income for more than 300 families”. At the same time, it adds, “it will also affect the capture of pelagic species (sardines, horse mackerel and mackerel), demersal species [which live on the seabed] and molluscs, shellfish, among other species”.

“Recreational boating, sea tourism, events and maritime-tourism operators will also be affected by this operation, leading to harmful consequences for the municipality of Lagos, which is closely linked to this area”, the note reads.

The local authority says that safety “is another concern”, given that this type of infrastructure involves equipment (cables and buoys) that “condition navigation, often with poor signage that can be a danger to people and property, in addition to damaging the territory’s reputation”.

“Given the usual maritime traffic on the Algarve’s western coast, there is also a risk that recreational vessels may move away or even avoid docking in national territory,” it points out.

Despite acknowledging the importance of open sea aquaculture and its contributions to the country’s economy, the local authority expressed to the Directorate General of Natural Resources, Safety and Maritime Services “its total disagreement” with the granting of the license.

At the same time, it “warned of the need to reassess the legislation regulating this type of activity,” the note concludes.