The European Union’s border patrol agency spotted an illegal fishing operation in Italian waters and was able to work with the country’s coast guard to obtain one of the vessels.
The European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex, said it spotted two fishing vessels illegally operating within Italian waters near the island of Lampedusa on 21 March during a regular surveillance flight. The Frontex Surveillance Aircraft immediately notified the European Fisheries Control Agency and the Italian Coast Guard.
“Frontex surveillance aircraft carry out regular patrols over the central Mediterranean in support of Italian authorities and as part of the Agency’s broader maritime surveillance mandate,” Frontex said in its release. “Aircraft crews report sightings of potential incidents – including irregular migration, maritime hazards, and environmental violations such as illegal fishing – to the relevant national and E.U. authorities for follow-up.”
Italy’s Coast Guard and Guardia di Finanza departed from Lampedusa and was able to intercept one of the vessels, which was found to be in violation of Italian law. Law enforcement seized roughly 700 kilograms of fish and an 80-meter trawl net.
