Fishermen demand renewed coastal access to continue their trade

ORANJESTAD — A group of fishermen has sent an urgent letter to Prime Minister Mike Eman demanding renewed access to the coast after closures along Aruba’s north coast made it harder for them to carry out their traditional work.

According to the letter, fishermen who have worked from the coast and rocky shoreline for decades can no longer reach their fishing spots with pickups or jeeps carrying hooks, poles, ice and other equipment. They say access was restricted without prior consultation or a workable alternative.

The fishermen are asking the government to provide temporary access as soon as possible so they can continue their profession, while also taking their traditional fishing rights into account in decisions concerning the closure of north coast routes.

They also want to be included in future decisions affecting coastal access. The letter requests a response before September 10, in connection with the court proceedings concerning access to and protection of the north coast.