Gran Tarajal marks 30 years of its International Deep Sea Fishing, Tagging and Release Open

Gran Tarajal harbour hosted the presentation on Monday of a new edition of the International Deep Sea Fishing, Tagging and Release Open, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.

The Open will take place at Gran Tarajal harbour on 10, 11 and 12 September, with more than 50 boats taking part. Over three days, the event will bring together crews, families and visitors for a competition that has established itself as one of Fuerteventura’s major sporting fishing events and helps boost activity in the municipality and across the Island.

Nuria Cabrera, first vice-president of the Fuerteventura Island Council, said: “It is an honour to join the presentation of this Open, which has now reached 30 years of history.” Cabrera congratulated the Faro de La Entallada Fishing Club on three decades of activity, reiterated the Island Council’s support for an event that helps showcase Fuerteventura, and encouraged the public to enjoy it.

Tuineje mayor David Herrera said that reaching 30 editions “demonstrates the strength of an event that represents not only sport, but also tradition, the economy and tourism”. He thanked the club and the institutions and businesses whose support makes the Open possible.

Esteban Cipriano, director general for fisheries at the Canary Islands Government, highlighted the importance of holding competitions of this kind with sustainable fishing in mind, particularly through tagging and releasing fish, “to ensure the conservation of the resource and the future of fishing in the Canary Islands”.

Also attending the event were island councillor for agriculture, livestock and fisheries Enrique Pérez, and tourism councillor Marlene Figueroa. She highlighted the event’s appeal to visitors, saying it “not only gives residents the chance to enjoy themselves, but also those who visit us — skippers, crews and families committed to Fuerteventura”. She also stressed the importance of continuing to establish events like this “as another part of all the events we have throughout the year on the Island”.

José Ramón Figueroa, from the Faro de La Entallada Fishing Club, said: “Reaching 30 years is no easy feat. Many people — skippers, crews, businesses and institutions — have helped keep this event alive, and it is hugely important to the club and to Gran Tarajal.” The club thanked the administrations and partner organisations for their support and invited the public to visit the harbour during the Open.

Tuineje sports councillor Dulce García and other island and municipal representatives were also present.

This year’s edition will be especially significant as it marks three decades of the Open. The Faro La Entallada Sports Club has organised a programme of activities to celebrate the anniversary, strengthening the event’s social and community dimension.

Alongside its sporting and tourism appeal, the Open remains committed to protecting the marine environment, with initiatives focused on caring for and conserving the surrounding area. The competition’s tagging-and-release format reflects an approach aimed at combining sport with respect for the sea.

The event is supported by the Fuerteventura Island Council, the Canary Islands Government, the Fuerteventura Tourism Board, Tuineje Town Council and Puertos Canarios.