Illegal Net Fishing on the Rise

  • Printer friendly view
 Tuesday, November 20, 2018 - 11:09

Spanish Commercial fishing vessels are netting and raking in Gibraltar territorial waters with impunity says the GSD. In recent months, it has become clear that the previous commitment given by the Government to stop all illegal commercial fishing by Spanish vessels in our waters is a thing of the past as incursions are happening on a daily basis whilst relevant authorities do nothing. 

Trevor Hammond, GSD Environment spokesman said “Why should local sports fishermen be expected to comply with legislation and even forced to acquire fishing licences when activity which causes far more significant environmental damage is being ignored? This is neither reasonable nor fair."

PROTECTION A PRIORITY, SAYS GOVT

But the Government says that the enforcement of our laws is paramount and it is shocking that the Opposition party should suggest that citizens should not comply with the law.

A statement adds: The success of HM Government of Gibraltar’s marine strategy has seen a considerable increase in the presence of marine life in our waters. This may be part of the reason why, in recent weeks, Spanish commercial fishermen have increased their illegal incursions. Politically motivated provocation could be another reason.

Law enforcement by the RGP is not a matter for the Government. However, the Department of the Environment’s Environmental Research and Protection Unit (EPRU) remains active in deploying to challenge commercial fishermen and others who break our nature protection laws.

20-11-18 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR