The Crotone Coast Guard’s activity against illegal fishing continues. In fact, some fast coastal boats were used during the night between the mouth of the Neto river (sensitive area classified as a Site of Community Interest SCI and Special Protection Area SPA) and the Municipality of Strongoli in order to combat illegal fishing techniques for juvenile sardine carried out with the aid of light sources.
Dynamics of the intervention and subjects involved
The use of these fast boats, barely visible to poachers, made it possible to surprise several boats intent on night fishing for juveniles with the aid of light sources and unauthorized gear.
Some of the subjects arrested were found to come from the Calabrian Tyrrhenian Sea and were caught carrying out illegal fishing at the mouth of the Neto using small boats transferred to the Ionian side using trolleys towed on the road.
Seizures carried out and administrative sanctions
At the end of the complex operation the following were seized:
* 90 kilograms of juvenile sardine, subsequently donated to charitable institutions in Crotone, following the edibility judgment issued by healthcare personnel;
* Illegal light sources and fishing gear detained on board the inspected vessels;
* 1 outboard motor without insurance coverage.
The total administrative sanctions imposed were 7,000 euros. The seized tools will be subjected to the accessory measure of confiscation and subsequent destruction, with costs borne by the offenders, at the end of the administrative proceedings initiated against those responsible.
Balance sheet of activities in 2026 and protection objectives
Since the beginning of 2026, the kilograms of juvenile sardine seized by the Crotone Coast Guard in the stretch of coast between the mouth of the Neto river and the Municipality of Crucoli have risen to 350.
Maritime police activities are aimed at protecting fish resources and the marine ecosystem, as well as safeguarding legal fishing activities carried out by professional fishermen, while ensuring compliance with the law along the entire commercial chain considering that this fish product would have been placed illegally on the market.