Civil Guard Intercepts Moroccan Fishing Boats Near Ceuta Amid Marine Wildlife Concerns

Civil Guard agents have intercepted half a dozen Moroccan fishing boats in the waters of Ceuta, reports El Faro de Ceuta. The six Moroccan fishing boats were escorted to the port facilities of Ceuta, escorted by four patrol boats. The competent authorities will proceed with their inspection and decide on their fate in case of a proven violation of the regulations in force.

The Civil Guard found on these Moroccan boats a large number of prohibited fishing fish, including swordfish, which will be delivered to the Red Cross. As for the fishermen, they will not be detained and will not face any potential economic sanctions, as they have no salary.

According to CECAM, nine cetaceans (dolphins, pilot whales and other species) were found dead in the waters of Ceuta this week. Spanish fishermen, who are complaining about the situation, are calling on the authorities to take responsibility.

In 1992, the UN banned the use of drift nets longer than 2.5 kilometers. Ten years later, the European Union (EU) issued the same ban. Morocco joined the dynamic from 2011. But in practice, Moroccan fishermen continue to use these nets.