The Chilean Navy has seized approximately a tonne of illegally-harvested seafood in the Chiloé province where the red tide has resulted in a ban.
900kg of shellfish were intercepted by the local maritime authority on the island community of Quemchi, south of Puerto Montt.
According to the Quemchi harbourmaster, Warrant Officer Victor Flores, a vessel engaged in harvesting in an area declared closed by the health authority was detected. The vessel was escorted to the port of Quemchi, where the catch was declared unfit for human consumption as it had been taken in banned area.
The boat’s operators have appeared before the Quemschi maritime prosecutor and the catch has been disposed of as landfill.
The Chilean Navy carries out frequent patrols and operations to monitor activity and deter illegal fishing activity.
