Cozumel, Q.R. — Federal officials have seized illegally captured marine life and a vessel off the coast of Cozumel. On Tuesday, the Secretary of the Navy, as the National Maritime Authority, seized fishing gear, a boat and 14 marine species after they were illegally fished.
Naval personnel belonging to the Ninth Naval Region and the Fifteenth Naval Zone, in coordination with fishing inspectors belonging to the National Commission of Aquaculture and Fisheries (CONAPESCA) and the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (CONANP), secured species of fish and crustaceans as well as fishing gear on board a small vessel.
The items were sized in the vicinity of Cozumel for fishing without permits.
“The action was carried out when naval personnel and federal fisheries inspectors were carrying out maritime inspection and surveillance tours in the vicinity of the protected area called Ensenada Zona Norte of Cozumel Island.
“At the time of inspecting a smaller white IMEMSA type vessel with the name Virginia, it was found to not have the corresponding fishing permits. On board was 14 specimens of Chac Chí fish (Haemulon plumierii) and two specimens of King Crab along with two garter harpoons.
“Due to the above, naval personnel and the federal authorities participating in the operation proceeded to secure the marine products and fishing equipment, as well as the precautionary retention of said vessel which were placed at the disposal of CONAPESCA authorities,” they reported in their statement.
