The General Corps of the Canarian Police announced this Tuesday that it has issued 13 notifications to fishermen for various violations concerning underwater fishing in unauthorised zones, absence of licenses, or the utilisation of the boat hook. This was revealed during the control campaign of the activity in Tenerife, as stated by the Government of the Canary Islands in a press release.
Officers have conducted a total of 30 inspections in commonly trespassed fishing spots as well as near bathing areas.
Among the violations identified are the unauthorised practice of underwater fishing, lack of the necessary licence for various fishing methods, retaining fish smaller than the prescribed sizes, and the employment of a boat hook (a metal rod bent into a hook at one end) specifically for capturing octopus.
Officers recommend verifying the validity of fishing licences and the authorised areas prior to embarking on fishing trips to prevent administrative penalties. Additionally, the Regional Police states that the boat hook is regarded as prohibited or non-compliant equipment as outlined by Law 17/2003, of April 10, on Fishing in the Canary Islands, which may incur fines ranging from 301 to 60,000 euros.
The Administrative Surveillance and Inspection Unit’s responsibilities include preventive policing, investigation, and documentation of administrative violations in areas such as, among others, environmental protection, natural resources, tourism management in the Canary Islands, Canarian cultural heritage, tax administration, transportation, gaming, and betting, as well as any other functions assigned to it, in accordance with the Resolution of January 16, 2024, from the General Directorate of Security.
