The Guardia Civil of the Region of Murcia, alongside the Fishing and Aquaculture Service of the Autonomous Community of the Region of Murcia, recently detected a significant amount of fish lacking traceability at a restaurant in La Unión. This action is part of the Annual Comprehensive Control Plan for Fishing Activities, aimed at tackling illegal fish capture and marketing.

The operation began when specialists from Seprona coordinated with the Fishing and Aquaculture Service to conduct inspections aimed at identifying fishing irregularities. During one such inspection at a La Unión restaurant, inspectors uncovered thirty-two kilograms of various species of frozen fish hidden away in the kitchen’s freezers. The fish was unlabelled and wrapped in commercial plastic bags.

The restaurant’s operators could not verify the lawful origin of the fish, prompting the inspection team to immobilise the thirty-two kilograms on site for the Fishing and Aquaculture Service. Following evaluation by veterinary services of the Region of Murcia, the fish was certified safe for consumption, subsequently being confiscated and donated to a charitable organisation.

Inspectors from Seprona reported the restaurant operators for several infractions related to the regulations governing the first sale of fish products. This incident has been reported to the Ministry of Water, Agriculture, Livestock, Fishing and Environment, which supported the Guardia Civil during the operation. These illicit activities pose significant health risks to consumers, as fish sold clandestinely are often of unknown origin and improperly preserved.