The Coast Guard of Porto Santo Stefano, Italy, seized 80 kilos of shrimp from a fishing vessel, highlighting concerns over sustainability regulations governing seafood harvesting.

Uncovering Violations: The Operation Details

The seizure occurred during routine checks as the catch was being unloaded. Notably, the trawl net used for fishing was also confiscated during the operation, signaling potential violations beyond shrimp harvesting.

Utilizing sophisticated methods, authorities delved into the intricacies of seafood harvesting practices. This involved cross-referencing databases related to catches and marketing to ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks.

Unveiling Non-Compliance: Multiple Violations Uncovered

Through meticulous investigation, authorities uncovered several instances of non-compliance. Notably, six fishing boats, including some from the Sicilian navy, were found to have engaged in shrimp and demersal species fishing without the necessary authorization. Sanctions were swiftly imposed, with fines totaling EUR 12,000.

The Coast Guard of Piombino intensified efforts to combat illegal fishing activities following a specific report. In a meticulously planned operation, three illegal fishermen from Puglia were apprehended in the Follonica-Pratonieri locality. The individuals were caught in the act of underwater fishing, with approximately 5,200 sea urchins illegally harvested from the Gulf of Follonica.