The Guardia Civil has launched a big operation against illegal fishing off the coast of Torre de la Horadada. They found and dismantled 109 illegal traps put approximately two nautical miles off the shore of this region of Pilar de la Horadada to catch octopuses.
The operation was part of the 2025 Annual Comprehensive Control Plan for Fishing Activities. Officers from the Maritime Service of the Guardia Civil of Alicante carried it out to protect marine resources and make sure that fishing rules were followed.
On December 6th, authorities on the patrol boat Río Adaja found a signalling beacon for fishing gear called a rooster. It didn’t have the required markings that would show who owned it.
The fishing gear was also set up outside of the allowed hours, which led to the agents’ swift action.
The Guardia Civil officers checked that the gear was a line of traps with bait for catching octopus while it was being hoisted. There were 109 traps spread out across one nautical mile.
While getting the traps back, they accidentally caught a variety of species, such as octopuses, moray eels, and conger eels. These were returned to the sea alive, which had less of an effect on the marine ecosystem.
The Guardia Civil are looking into where the traps came from. They are also looking into who might have set them up.
This kind of violation can result in fines of up to 60,000 euros, according to current rules.
The Guardia Civil wants everyone to know that fishing for octopus without the right tools is against the law and hurts the environment, the long-term health of marine resources, and fishermen who follow the rules.
Author: Derek Appleton
Other Articles
Santa Pola is boosting its future with a €10.7 million investment
Alicante arrest leads to a child pornography producer in Argentina
No Comment! Be the first one.