A recent investigation was opened into two individuals in connection with alleged illegal fishing methods in Cangas del Narcea, a municipality in Asturias, Spain. The episode unfolded early on a Friday when members of the Civil Guard observed a vehicle traveling on a road under the jurisdiction of Asturias. The occupants attempted to evade the officers with a swift evasive maneuver, a reaction that immediately drew heightened attention from the agents. As a result, the two residents, aged 58 and 63, were identified and questioned.
The officers’ cautious approach and the drivers’ jittery behavior heightened suspicion, prompting a thorough search of the vehicle. In the trunk, authorities discovered an 8.5-pound bag containing 215 trout, along with several tools and devices associated with illegal fishing practices. The collection included items such as a car battery, a device used to reverse electric current with two metal poles, a landing net, and a precision balance that appeared damp and muddy. Also found were fishing lighthouses and a boat, all of which pointed toward activities inconsistent with permitted fishing methods.
These discoveries underscored the severity of the situation. The cited equipment is commonly linked to electric fishing, a method that uses an electric current to affect fish behavior and increase the likelihood of capture. In practice, the current is intended to immobilize or disorient fish, making it easier to ensnare them with nets. In Spain, electric fishing is prohibited except for limited uses in controlled laboratory or sampling contexts. Authorities emphasize that this technique is not sanctioned for regular fishing activities and should only be considered for specific scientific or regulatory purposes where permitted.
As a result of the findings, the two individuals are under investigation for offenses related to flora and fauna conservation and the violation of fisheries regulations established by Law No. 6/2002. Administrative penalties have been filed accordingly, and the case has been forwarded to the Investigation Court 1 of Cangas del Narcea to continue proceedings. The ongoing inquiry aims to determine the full scope of the alleged violations, assess potential environmental impact, and ensure that appropriate legal steps are taken in line with regional and national wildlife protection statutes.