The Department of Fisheries and Marine Research (TATHE) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment successfully dealt with a serious case of poaching, with a prohibited method of fishing, on Wednesday, May 20, 2020. Specifically, during a night patrol in the sea area of Famagusta, two people were located and reported, who were fishing using a snorkel in combination with diving equipment, after sunset.
This is the second case to be dealt with in a period of 3 months, after a similar case was successfully dealt with in the Larnaca sea area, where two people were located and reported to be fishing with a snorkel in combination with diving equipment. In both cases, all fishing gear and diving equipment were confiscated. The case files will be forwarded for criminal prosecution or out-of-court settlement.
These infringements are considered serious as they are destructive practices, based on the last amendment of the Fisheries Law in December 2019. The penalties provided are imprisonment (for a period not exceeding two years) or a fine (exceeding € 8500) or both. In addition, by decision of the Court, any vessels, equipment, tools or any other device or material that was used to commit the offense may be seized.
TATHE has set as its priority the suppression of this illegal activity and will apply the relevant Law with all strictness.