The Civil Guard, alongside Maritime Fishing Inspectors from the Alicante sub-delegation, successfully intervened in a recent illegal fishing operation in the bay of Santa Pola. On the fifth of February, inspectors requested assistance after observing a semi-rigid boat with two individuals on board deploying illegal traps on the sea floor. With the aid of the Special Group for Underwater Activities and the Provincial Maritime Service, the vessel was intercepted, and the crew’s equipment was inspected.

During the initial inspection, authorities found various tools, containers, and sodium hypochlorite, alongside one illegal trap. Following this, a second search was conducted by divers equipped with specific gear, resulting in the discovery of eight homemade traps made of PVC pipes, some of which were anchored to the sea bed. Four traps contained live octopus, which were immediately returned to the sea.

The traps were unmarked and failed to comply with current regulations requiring identification of all professional fishing gear with the vessel’s name and registration. Authorities emphasised that such illegal practices pose a serious threat to marine ecosystems, especially since they can lead to the capture of protected and juvenile species below the legal weight limit.

The Civil Guard noted that illegal fishing is considered a serious offence under the Maritime Fishing Law, with potential fines ranging from six hundred and one to sixty thousand euros. This activity not only jeopardises sustainability but also seriously impacts professional fishermen by undermining legal channels of fish distribution.