Sernapesca Valparaíso, together with the Chilean Navy and Carabineros de Chile, carried out routine inspections on March 17 that resulted in the seizure of more than 1,400 kilograms of illegal marine resources and six individuals being summoned to court.
The inspections took place both on land and at sea, focusing on the areas of Quintero and Pullally. These actions were conducted ahead of Semana Santa, a period known for increased demand for seafood products.
During a maritime inspection in Quintero, authorities found an artisanal fishing vessel operated by five foreign nationals who were not registered in the Artisanal Fishing Registry. As a result, one ton of jumbo squid was confiscated and the vessel was taken to a Navy dock. The crew members and the boat’s captain received citations to appear before a court. Additionally, four crew members who did not have up-to-date immigration status were transferred by naval personnel to the Port Captaincy pending intervention from Immigration Police.
In another operation in Pullally, inspectors accompanied by local police discovered a truck transporting 400 kilograms of southern hake without proper legal documentation. The driver was detained and also cited to court. Following this incident, all confiscated southern hake was donated to the Marine Wildlife Rescue Center run by Fundación Ñamku later that same day.
Gonzalo Rojas, acting regional director of Sernapesca Valparaíso, said: “Estas incautaciones son fruto del trabajo que realizamos de manera permanente junto a la Armada, Carabineros y otras Instituciones públicas. La fiscalización constante es uno de los pilares que nos permite combatir la pesca ilegal y velar por la sustentabilidad de los recursos pesqueros.”
These enforcement efforts highlight ongoing collaboration between public institutions aimed at combating illegal fishing activities and ensuring sustainable management of marine resources.
