A fishing vessel identified operating within the Argentinian EEZ has been handed a fine totalling a massive $900,000, setting a precedent in that no physical interception took place.
The Vanuatu-registered Boa Feng was identified by the Argentinian Coast Guard encroaching inside mile 200. Coordination between state institutions allows Argentina to apply sanctions without the need for a physical presence, based on high-precision electronic evidence provided by the National Maritime Authority.
Regulations establish objective criteria for assuming an offence is being committed and a vessel proceeding at less than six knots is considered to be in violation.
A summary proceeding was initiated in absentia, which allowed the imposition of this substantial fine.
Coordinated efforts between the Argentine Naval Prefecture and the Undersecretariat of Aquatic Resources and Fisheries (SSRAyP)in recent months have resulted in several cases of fishing vessels entering the EEZ and carrying out manoeuvers compatible with fishing activity.
Fishing vessel Hai Xing 2 was also identified operating in the area with a typical fishing pattern, registering average speeds of approximately 4.3 knots. These markers are seen as constituting strong evidence of illegal activity.
