Holbox, Q.R. — Federal inspectors seized a kayak for poaching pink snail and starfish off the island of Holbox. The boat was found illegally fishing in the Yum Balam lagoon by inspectors Tuesday.
During a review of the boat, authorities found 14 pink snails and one starfish. Inspectors reported that the marine specimens were all found alive and returned to the sea.
The Secretariat of the Navy, acting as Coast Guard, reported that naval personnel in coordination with authorities of the National Aquaculture and Fisheries Commission (CONAPESCA), carried out the precautionary detention of a vessel with fishery product in the Yum Balam lagoon.
“The above was carried out in the vicinity of Playa Azul after a routine inspection of a person who was carrying out fishing activities by diving.
“He had 14 specimens of pink snail and a live starfish in a kayak, for which he did not have the corresponding permits to carry out fishing activities,” they reported.
Therefore, naval personnel and Conapesca (Comisión Nacional de Acuacultura y Pesca) officers proceeded to impound the small vessel and fishing gear, which were then turned over to the appropriate authorities.
It should be noted that the queen conch and starfish specimens were released alive.
