SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 8th June (EUROPA PRESS) –
In the waters off the southeast coast of Lanzarote, the Maritime Detachment of Fuerteventura’s Civil Guard has issued fifteen complaints against various leisure boats for engaging in tuna fishing without the necessary approval. This activity took place approximately 4 to 5 miles from the coastline, where there were fifteen professional tuna boats and an equal number of recreational boats present.
Carrying out its duties of monitoring the territorial waters, the Provincial Maritime Service of the Civil Guard became aware of the unauthorized tuna fishing in the southeastern part of Lanzarote’s coast. Consequently, a surveillance operation was launched to ensure both professional and leisure boats adhered to the regulations in place.
As a result of these efforts, on 4th June, an inspection was conducted on a professional tuna boat in Puerto Naos (Arrecife) during unloading activities. Furthermore, ten recreational vessels were also inspected, resulting in fifteen administrative complaints being issued for illicit tuna fishing.
The main infractions observed included the absence of a 1st class recreational fishing license, which is mandatory for engaging in recreational fishing from a boat using surface trolling. Additionally, the leisure vessels were found to lack specific authorization for tuna fishing, as issued by the General Directorate of Fisheries Resources and Aquaculture under the General Secretariat of the Sea within the Ministry of the Environment, and Rural and Marine Environment.
The capture of the protected species of tuna (Thunnus obesus) in this scenario requires specific authorization. This permission should be onboard the vessel during fishing activities, have a validity period of three years, and renewal requested at least three months prior to its expiry.
