A recent investigation found that three tuna fishing vessels owned by Spanish company ORPAGU (Organizacion de Palangreros Guardese) have violated the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and Mozambique.
Under the Mozambican fisheries legislation, fishing vessels are required to provide detailed catch data to authorities upon entering and leaving the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Conducted by the Mozambique General Directorate of Fisheries, the investigation found that the Alexia, O Covelo and Zumaya Dous, operating in the southern part of the Mozambican EEZ between January and May, counted 14 entry/exit reports without any catch declarations.
The vessels were targeting bigeye tuna, yellowfin tuna, swordfish, blue shark and shortfin mako shark.
The vessels were notified for failing to report their catch to authorities. Once the fine and other sanctions, which could include seizure of the catch to cancellation of fishing licenses, are announced by the minister of fisheries, ORPAGU has eight days to pay the fine.
All Supply & Trade stories >