The changes introduced to the fisheries law have provoked different reactions in the sector, not only because large-scale trawling was banned, but also because the new regulation is plagued with ambiguities.

Article 30, fisheries law, is a reason for great concern in the Venezuelan fishing sector, as it suggests the incursion of foreign fleets in Venezuelan waters.

"If it is established that a surplus exists and the Republic lacks the ability to develop such a potential, based on the national interest and under a prior fishing agreement or contract between Venezuela and the relevant state to which the fishing ship belongs based on the flag it carries, foreign fishing ships may be authorized to catch the surplus fish in the exclusive economic zone."

Eduardo Suárez-Muria, the legal representative of the Venezuelan Federation of Associations of Fisheries (Fenapesca), believes "the domestic fishing fleet is being displaced to allow foreign boats to fish in Venezuelan waters."

"If the domestic trawling fleet is dismantled, obviously there will be a surplus of fish. The state, through small-scale trawlers will not catch the necessary amount, thus opening the door to other countries to come to Venezuela to fish."

Concerns in the sectors are worsened by the Executive Branch's move to organize a joint venture to develop in Venezuela a fishing fleet that is to operate in domestic and foreign waters.

On October 15, 2007, Venezuela and Cuba initialed a letter of intent stating that "there is a proposal to increase fish production, and fish-related industries and marketing, as well as technical service to fishing fleets and related, in order to supply fish to the peoples of Cuba, Venezuela, and other member countries of the Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas (ALBA), as part of the initiative to secure food for their peoples."

Meanwhile, over 260 trawlers are docked in the major seaports in Venezuela, as the crew members refuse to sail for they believe the new fisheries law lacks enough guarantees.