The Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) intercepted a fishing vessel in Marsaxlokk yesterday after receiving an alert from the Malta Ranger Unit over the alleged illegal catch of Bluefin tuna.
According to the Malta Ranger Unit, its rangers reported the suspected illegal activity late on Thursday evening. An AFM patrol boat was already positioned near the vessel’s expected landing point and intercepted it less than 20 minutes later as it entered the harbour.
The vessel was then towed into port, where the allegedly illegally caught tuna was confiscated. The fishing boat remained docked alongside the AFM patrol vessel for several hours.
The Malta Ranger Unit thanked the AFM’s Maritime Squadron for its “swift action and professionalism” and said it is awaiting further updates from the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture regarding the vessel and the confiscated fish.
The environmental organisation also argued that similar incidents are “very common”, claiming that a lack of late-night enforcement at sea allows illegal fishing to continue undetected.
It renewed its call on the Maltese government to strengthen environmental protection and increase enforcement efforts both at sea and on land.
Should penalties for illegal fishing be tougher?
Photo: Malta Ranger Unit
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Dylan Attard is a Social Media Executive at Lovin Malta and a proud Gozitan with a passion for digital media, content creation, and social trends. Outside of work, you’ll usually find him at the gym, watching series or doomscrolling.
