The Northern Maritime Police Command, with assistance from the Local Maritime Police Command of Aveiro, Leixões, and Viana do Castelo, conducted inspections focused on fishing activities from August 5 to August 7. Special attention was given to the octopus catch, currently banned until August 15.
The ban is enforced off the coast of Aveiro, Viana do Castelo, and the areas of Leixões and Póvoa de Varzim, as mentioned in a statement by the National Maritime Authority (AMN) sent to newsrooms.
The inspections resulted in the seizure of:
- 120 illegal fishing tools, known as ‘alcatruzes’;
- 10 traps, with around 50 octopuses caught and ‘alcatruzes’ containing eggs being returned to their natural habitat.
- Several infringement notices were also issued.
The authority emphasizes that these initiatives aim to “enhance the control of compliance with the octopus fishing ban period, contributing to the protection and sustainability of marine resources, in line with conservation guidelines established by the competent authorities.”
