Authorities in Peru have identified and destroyed vessels used for illegal fishing activities.
The operation has been led by the Specialised Environmental Prosecutor’s Office of Santa, with the participation of the Chimbote Port Authority, the National Police, and support from the Ministry of Production.
Investigations indentified Dios es mi Refugio and Canario IV as having characteristics that failed to match their registration certificates, while Adela Isabela 3 was identified as having been illegally constructed. These irregularities led to the cancellation of their registrations and allowed for the application of the interdiction measures, with the aim of preventing their continued use for illicit activities.
The three vessels were destroyed after FEMA and the Maritime Authority determined that they had been used for illegal fishing activities.
‘Illegal fishing not only jeopardises the sustainability of our marine resources, but also harms thousands of law-abiding fishermen who operate responsibly. Combating this crime demonstrates that the State is acting in a coordinated manner to protect our sea, preserve resources for future generations, and guarantee fair conditions for those who work legally,’ stated Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Jesús Barrientos.
The operation resulted in the complete destruction of the vessels, and highlights the importance of the joint action of the Santa Specialised Environmental Prosecutor’s Office, which led the operation, as well as the Port Authority, the Peruvian National Police and the Ministry of Production, as the authority responsible for fisheries management and the conservation of marine resources.
The Deputy Minister stressed that the fight against illegal fishing requires a permanent and coordinated response from state institutions, due to the serious economic, social and environmental impacts generated by this activity.
‘This collaboration between the Specialised Environmental Prosecutor’s Office, the Port Authority, the National Police, and the Ministry of Production is essential to effectively combat illegal fishing. Every intervention strengthens the governance of our marine resources, protects marine biodiversity, and supports the efforts of the fishermen who carry out their work responsibly and within the framework of the law every day,’ he said.
‘We will not allow a few to jeopardise the future of an activity that generates employment, food, and development for the country.’
