A routine patrol by the Danish Fisheries Agency uncovers violations leading to confiscation of illegal fishing gear and catch worth €107,000
Routine Patrol Uncovers Violations Leading to Significant Confiscations
The Danish Fisheries Agency’s patrol vessel “Nordsøen” recently conducted a routine patrol in the North Sea, resulting in the seizure of illegal fishing gear and catch from two foreign fishing vessels.
The total value of the confiscated items is approximately DKK 800,000 (€107,000/£91,000).
During the inspection, fisheries controllers discovered illegal equipment on both vessels. In the first instance, the vessel was found to be using two net bags, one of which was illegal due to the thickness of the threads, leading to the confiscation of the net and its catch, primarily consisting of plaice.
In the second case, three out of four net bags were deemed illegal due to the size of the mesh in the sorting windows, resulting in the seizure of the nets and a catch predominantly made up of Norway lobster and plaice.
Jesper Bech Eiersted, the captain of the fisheries control vessel “Nordsøen,” commented on the importance of adhering to regulations:
“There are clear rules regarding the thickness of the threads in the net bag. The thicker the thread, the harder it is for undersized fish to escape. The same applies to the size of the sorting windows’ mesh, where smaller meshes make it difficult for undersized fish to escape. These rules are in place to protect small fish that need to grow.”
The Danish Fisheries Agency’s maritime control includes checking fishing gear, catches, permits, logbooks, and ensuring that fishing is conducted in legal areas.
Following the conclusion of the investigation, the Danish Fisheries Agency plans to report the cases to the police, seeking fines for illegal fishing and the confiscation of the illegal gear and catches. The final decision will rest with the court.
Source: Press Release