Spanish fishermen protest over reef near Gibraltar

Spanish fishermen in some 60 boats protested yesterday the building of an artificial reef near the disputed British territory of Gibraltar.

The construction of the reef has soured relations between Madrid and London. The fishermen claim the reef of around 70 concrete blocks — some with steel rods protruding — can snare and damage their nets, something that has stopped them from fishing there.

The protest was monitored by a dozen Spanish and Gibraltar police vessels that prevented the fishing boats from getting near the reef.