Operation to combat illegal fishing and the marketing of untracked fish products by the Crotone Coast Guard, which in recent days has carried out targeted checks at sea and on land. The activity, aimed at protecting marine resources and food safety for consumers, ended with administrative sanctions for a total of 3,500 euros and the seizure of 36 kilograms of untraceable fish, as well as an irregular fishing gear.
During an inspection at sea, a Coast Guard patrol boat identified a professional fishing unit using gillnets within an area of the Site of National Interest (SIN), an area closed to fishing based on Ordinance no. 70/2012 of the same Port Authority. A fine of 2,000 euros was imposed on the commander of the fishing vessel, with the administrative seizure of the approximately 300 meter long net used for the illicit activity.
At the same time, Coast Guard personnel carried out checks on restaurants and commercial activities in the center of Crotone. In one of these establishments, the presence of approximately 36 kilograms of fish of various types was ascertained, the owner of which was unable to justify the origin. For the violation of the traceability rules, a fine of 1,500 euros was imposed, with the consequent seizure and destruction of the product.
The Coast Guard underlines that these interventions are part of a broader supervisory action aimed at protecting the marine ecosystem, combating illegal fishing and ensuring that consumer protection rules are respected throughout the entire fish supply chain.