Fishing Industry in Peniche

To demonstrate in the best way what are the conditions of the fishing industry in Peniche here we have a testimony of a fisherman Mr. Américo Martins of the boat"Rio Minho"
Question1
- Which led you to enter this particular sector?
Answer:- Well, several factors interfered with my decision including financial difficulties, it was only my mother working, education in Peniche wasn´t very good so I just have the fourth class,rare were those who could pay the rest of the studies to their children at that time. Peniche being a good fishing port I found by better join something related to fishing, the only thing that was requested at the time was able to swim so I accepted.

Question2
- What are the main problems or difficulties of your job?
Answer:- Basically the main problem is the weather because if is bad weather the boat doesn´t go to the sea and so we lost profits, which will interfere with the salary.Another problem may be the lack of maintenance of the vessel, leading to collapse of parts during the travel and therefore a risk for the workers. ~

Question3
- Exist conditions for the conduct of your work?
Answer:-Yes there is, my boat is among the best of Peniche, have some of the better marine equipment such as radar that facilitates the work when fog appears.

Question4
- How many hours do you work while as an "atador de rede" and "escrivão" of the boat?
Answer:-I have no fixed schedule so I can work all night or just a single afternoon or morning, but sometimes I work 24 hours straight, which affects me quite socially.

Question5
- You think that your job has a future in a way that it would be attractive to young?
Answer:-No because it is a life too hard and risky, and today, in a work people are looking for comfort, and the salary isn´t right because we can receive very much money on that month and on the next one we can receive half or a quarter less.


Adriana