The boat's captain faces five fines for fishing and maritime safety violations. The incident occurred on the night of June 16, when a patrol boat from the Provincial Maritime Service of Alicante observed a recreational vessel about six miles from Villajoyosa port. The boat altered its course upon noticing the agents, raising suspicions.
During the inspection, it was found that the captain had not installed the PescaREC application, which is mandatory for electronically declaring catches and providing prior notice before arriving at port with a red tuna. Furthermore, he could not provide proof of a valid maritime fishing license, nor did the vessel have the required flares. The mandatory insurance could also not be verified.
Consequently, five fines were issued: three for fishing violations and two for maritime safety. The red tuna, a specimen approximately 220 centimeters long, was confiscated and later donated to a soup kitchen run by a charity organization in Alicante.
The red tuna (Thunnus thynnus) is a highly regulated species in the Mediterranean. The clandestine capture of these specimens hinders the control of a species with strict limits, harms professional and recreational fishing that complies with regulations, and can introduce untraceable products into the consumption circuit.
The Civil Guard reminds the public of the importance of respecting fishing regulations to ensure species conservation and of not setting sail without the mandatory safety equipment.
