Playa del Carmen, Q.R. — A boat diving for lobster without fishing permits has been seized from Playa del Carmen waters. On Saturday, the Secretary of the Navy reported naval personnel belonging to the Ninth Naval Region and the Fifteenth Naval Zone in coordination with inspectors, seized the vessel and its gear.
The Saturday operation was in coordination with the National Aquaculture and Fisheries Commission (CONAPESCA) and the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (CONANP).
The boat was located when federal fishing inspectors carried out at-sea inspection tours along Playa del Carmen beach areas. During their rounds, they located the vessel with more than two dozen lobsters and fishing gear, but no permits.
The federal agency reported seizing 25 lobsters, three garter harpoons with rods, 13 compressed air tanks and four scopes that were found on board as well as the boat.
Last month in Holbox, federal officials also seized a boat, fishing gear and catch of the day for lack of permits.
That seizure happened in La Ensenada when authorities inspected a small vessel locating a compressor, 100 meters of hose, two nozzles and a compressed air tank, four pairs of fins, two belts with lead, a harpoon, as well as seven lobster tails.