Chega proposes Madeira black scabbardfish fishing as cultural heritage

The Chega parliamentary group has submitted a resolution project recommending that the Portuguese government recognize and safeguard the traditional knowledge and practices associated with black scabbardfish fishing in Madeira. The proposal seeks to include these practices in the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Madeiran deputy Francisco Gomes emphasized that the tradition is deeply linked to the region's maritime history and has been documented since at least the 19th century. The initiative specifically highlights the connection to Câmara de Lobos, where the economic and social history is closely tied to fishing.

The project aims to preserve technical knowledge, vocabulary, instruments, and maritime relationships passed down through generations. It calls for collaboration with fishing communities, families, and scientific institutions to collect oral testimonies and historical documentation to ensure this heritage is transmitted to future generations.