Authorities from the Civil Guard Intercept 95 Kilograms of Illegal Fish on Tenerife
In a North Tenerife operation, agents from the Nature Conservation Service, part of the Civil Guard known as Seprona, interrupted a fishing activity tied to poaching. The incident occurred when the team identified a vessel at the port of Garachico, where several local residents had gathered near the dock after the boat arrived. The scene prompted a routine inspection aimed at preventing illegal fishing and protecting marine ecosystems around the Canary Islands.
During the inspection, the agents found a number of large refrigeration units inside the boat, all of which were in use to store fish. The quantity captured was substantial, totaling 95 kilograms. This amount exceeded daily and per-person allowances stipulated by law. The findings raised immediate concerns about compliance with Law No. 17/2003 of 10 April concerning Fishing in the Canary Islands, which sets clear limits on how much fish can be caught and carried by individuals within a given period.
Following a thorough review of the evidence, the officers prepared the necessary administrative documentation to document and formalize the infractions. The intercepted fish were removed from the vessel and relocated to a relief center in the northern part of the island for safekeeping and further processing. This step ensured that the goods could be accounted for and that proper procedures would be followed for any potential penalties or further legal actions.
The operation reflects ongoing efforts by regional authorities to monitor fishing activity, deter illegal harvesting, and safeguard marine resources in the Canary Islands. Seprona officers emphasize the importance of reporting suspicious activity at sea and cooperating with enforcement teams to maintain sustainable fishing practices, protect livelihoods, and preserve ecosystems along the island chain. In this case, the swift response helped prevent further unlawful catches and demonstrated the impact of coordinated action between local communities and national enforcement agencies.