Spain Downplays Moroccan Fish Farm in Disputed Chafarinas Islands

In its written response to the question from the Popular Party (PP) parliamentary group, which had asked for more than a month whether the Spanish government had been informed by the Moroccan authorities of the installation of this fish farm and what measures it intends to take "to defend Spanish territorial waters and put an end to this action by Morocco," the government of Pedro Sánchez has limited itself to stating that issues related to aquaculture fall under the competence of the autonomous communities.

To read: Spain’s PP Urges Government Action on Moroccan Fish Farm Expansion Near Melilla

However, the Spanish government reacted vehemently in November last year to denounce this action by Morocco, which it considered a violation of Spain’s territorial integrity. But curiously, before the Congress where he was summoned to explain this situation, the Spanish Executive preferred to entrench itself in silence and not let it be known that it is affected by this new "provocation" from Morocco, ABC believes.

To read: Spain Protests Moroccan Fish Farm in Disputed Waters, Citing Navigation and Environmental Concerns

This official position of the Sánchez government is puzzling, especially since the Chafarinas Islands are a nature reserve under military control, due to its strategic and sensitive geographical position with Morocco, and are managed by the Autonomous Agency of National Parks.