Major boost for Motril’s fish market

THE Junta de Andalucia has given a helping hand to Motril’s fish industry, one of the most severely punished by the financial crisis.
The regional government has shown their interest in supporting this market with a €740,000 boost aimed at refloating the fish market.
News was announced by the regional government representative, Sandra Garcia, who, together with head of the Agriculture, Fishing and Environment department, Inmaculada Oria, visited the inner harbour, which has undergone upgrades thanks to the financial aid.
One of the main projects undertaken was turning the fish market into a tourist attraction, with the renovation of facilities that had not been improved since 1982.
Plans also included the set up of a mechanical and computerised system to facilitate the fish-bidding process, making it faster and more efficient. Preservation and freezing chambers have been fitted, aimed at keeping the quality of the products for a longer period, as well as maintaining their value.
Consequently, a higher competiveness, and clarity of the transactions has been achieved. In addition, buyers will now be able to bid online, avoiding large crowds, amongst other advantages.
The market has been equipped with grandstands to seat buyers during bids. Other improvements had to do with the electricity system and floors have been repainted with insulating paint.
The second project included the development of multi-trophic aquaculture for fish farming, which is currently being implemented, and will set up facilities for the intensive cultivation of gilt-head bream and sea bass in an environmentally friendly setting.
The project is expected to create eight job positions.