Close cooperation between Interpol and Norway has led to the publication of the first Purple Notice for a vessel believed to be engaged in illegal fishing activities. Issued in all 190 Interpol member countries, the Purple Notice seeks information on the fishing vessel “Snake,” which has changed its name and registration multiple times in past years to avoid detection.
According to the Purple Notice, the “Snake” has operated under 12 different names in the past 10 years, and been registered under the flag of at least eight different countries. It is suspected of continuing to actively fish illegally in the South Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Southern and Central Africa.
The “Snake” has been blacklisted by the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) since 2004, and by the South East Atlantic Fisheries Organization (SEAFO) since 2007. As such, it is subject to sanctions including denial of fishing permits and permission to enter ports.
