The Guardia Civil of the Murcia Region has conducted a successful operation off the coast of Cartagena, resulting in the seizure of over thirty kilograms of octopus. The intervention took place when officers from the Provincial Maritime Service spotted a pneumatic vessel transporting a significant volume of illegal catches, including undersized fish and non-registered species that are prohibited for capture.

The octopus caught weighed thirty kilograms, which far exceeds the legal limit of five kilograms per licence per day as per the Marine Fishing and Aquaculture Law of two thousand and seven. In addition to the over-limit octopus, further unauthorized species and immature fish were discovered by the authorities, highlighting the risks posed by illegal fishing practices.

Offenders involved in this operation are subject to penalties ranging from fines between two hundred and one to three thousand euros, potential loss of fishing licences, and even immobilisation of the vessels used. In a positive effort to assist the community, the Guardia Civil donated the seized fish products deemed safe for consumption to a charity centre.

This operation underscores the commitment of the Guardia Civil to ensure sustainable fishing practices. The authorities emphasise that capturing species below minimal sizes or without proper authorisation threatens marine ecosystems and the livelihood of legal fishermen. Citizens are urged to respect fishing regulations to support ocean preservation and to report suspicious activities at sea, as the Guardia Civil increases its vigilance along the Murcian coastline.