Illegal fishing of bluefin tuna: the offenders convicted in Narbonne
In Narbonne, the Narbonne Big-game Fishing Association (ANPG) and the French Sea Fishing Federation (FFPM) cast their nets and illegally fished a large number of bluefin tuna. The court has handed down exemplary sentences for the illegal killing of thousands of fish and their equally illegal resale. A further hearing is scheduled for 9 December at 2 p.m. at the Court in Narbonne to determine the damages suffered by the victims. With this initial success, One Voice continues its fight to protect the inhabitants of the oceans.
An inaudible suffering: stop the massacre of bluefin tuna
Between 2017 and 2020, a proper system of organised fraud was devised by the Narbonne Big-game Fishing Association and the French Sea Fishing Federation. Following an investigation by the French Office for Biodiversity, the results are clear and the offences numerous: failure to declare catches, illegal sales of tuna, cutting up before measurement and weighing, tampering with identification tags, etc.
In reality, the quotas set by annual decree were not respected. Ingenious schemes were secretly devised to allow unlimited fishing and resale, even though the species is threatened with extinction. And yet the defendants refuse to acknowledge their responsibility. The hearing highlighted their disconcerting lack of awareness of the consequences of their actions.
Penalties for illegal fishing: stop repeat offences
The Court in Narbonne handed down severe sentences commensurate with the offences committed. The licences of these clandestine fishermen have now been suspended or completely withdrawn for a period of one year. The sentence will be published in the local press to highlight the seriousness of such behaviour. For twelve months, bluefin tuna will be safe from their nets.
Individuals face fines of up to €15,000, of which €7,000 suspended. A new hearing is scheduled for 9 December at 2 p.m. at the Court in Narbonne to rule on the damages suffered by the victims.
This decision marks a first victory against these sea poachers. We are intensifying our efforts to protect all fish present in the vicinity of these areas. Whatever the issues at stake –experimentation, existing fish farms, future intensive farming or the destruction of their habitat – the fight has only just begun!