230 kilos of illegal fish seized in La Graciosa Marine Reserve, Fuerteventura

Unauthorized vessel intercepted using prohibited gear in protected waters

Agents of the Maritime Detachment of Fuerteventura, part of the Provincial Maritime Service of Las Palmas of the Guardia Civil, together with staff from the operational and monitoring service of the Marine Reserve (under the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food – MAPA, via the General Fisheries Secretariat), have confiscated a total of 230 kilograms of fish taken from the La Graciosa Marine Reserve.

The operation followed the detection of illegal fishing activity inside the protected area and the interception of a third‑list vessel that was not listed in the registry of boats authorized to fish in the reserve. The boat was transporting fish caught irregularly with trammel nets (nasas), a method that is completely prohibited under current regulations.

“The use of nasas inside the reserve is forbidden; fishing in this zone is strictly limited to specific modalities.”

Legal framework and violations

• Authorization required: Fishing in the La Graciosa Marine Reserve can only be carried out with an explicit permit issued jointly by the General Fisheries Secretariat (MAPA) and the Canary Islands Government’s Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food Sovereignty.
• Prohibited gear: The reserve bans the use of nasas. Professional fishing is limited to very specific traditional gear, mainly hooks targeting particular species. Recreational fishing is restricted to rod, line, or hand‑line (curricán), always with prior authorization.

The professional fisherman involved was charged with multiple administrative infractions after it was confirmed that he deployed nasas—an entirely forbidden practice—in zones such as Playa Lambra and Punta La Sonsa, both located within the reserve.

How the illegal operation was carried out

• The fisherman anchored the nets for several days, returning later to retrieve the catch.
• The activity was conducted at night, with navigation lights switched off to avoid detection.

Potential penalties

The Canary Islands Fisheries Law (Law 17/2003) regulates fishing activities in the autonomous region and sets sanctions for violations in protected zones. Penalties range from €301 to over €300,000, and may also include the revocation of the fishing licence.

The administrative complaint against the fisherman has been forwarded to the Vice‑Council of Fisheries and Agriculture of the Canary Islands Government for further processing.

For additional information, the Guardia Civil can be contacted via [email protected].