It is certain that fishermen do not have any signed agreements with fish farming companies

Last Friday, Minister Arends presented at a meeting organized by fishermen in Spanish Lagoon, meeting the concerns of fish farming or also called Aquaculture in Aruba.

It was reported in both local and international media that “investors have already secured permission to build a fish hatchery on the lake near Aruba”. Minister Arends immediately began receiving messages from fishermen concerned about this misinformation as they were of the opinion that it would have devastating consequences for their daily bread.

As Thursday evening approached, the fishermen decided to have a meeting among themselves to attend to this matter. While it is commendable that sinners are united, it is unfortunate that it is because of misinformation that causes unnecessary strife. Minister Arends took the opportunity to ask the press present if they had tried to approach him and verify before publishing the news, and thus try to find the other side of the coin.

During Minister Arends’s explanation he mentioned that the whole issue of aquaculture was approached for the first time through a concept of MoU. The concept for which his person and Minister of Economy, Mr. Geoffrey Wever could have signed with the company. Upon receiving this concept he immediately sought advice from the concerned departments where all 4 of them were negative. Taking into account the advice of the Aruba National Park Foundation, Directie Natuur en Milieu, Directie Scheepvaart and Santa Rosa, it would be irresponsible to sign the MoU with the investor. The minister also mentions that the option to obtain a permit is tied to conditions that have not been met, and all this time this has also expired.

In conclusion, Minister Arends emphasizes the importance of breaking the fake news, and verifying that the information shared is accurate. It is for this very reason that he presented the evening meeting to give clarity to the fishermen about the process of the MoU, the request for permission as well as on the letter that Minister Arends together with Mininster Wever sent to the investor Petros Aquaculture Operations VBA. The letter informs the investor that they must comply with all laws and regulations of Aruba and also provide a report on the environmental impact of their project.

“When I present plans or proposals that affect the fisheries sector to the Ministry, I will bring it closer to the fisheries that we have been doing, working with people, for people”. – Minister Ursell Arends