Illegal net fishing being carried over protected wrecks in Ċirkewwa was caught by Malta’s ranger unit last weekend.

“Last night our rangers were informed of a net marker buoy at the boundary of Ċirkewwa Marine Park ‘s No Stopping Zone,” the HPF Ranger Unit said in a Facebook post. 

The Ranger Unit explained how within this zone, no fishing is allowed, except for surface fishing. This is done to preserve marine life and increase the fish population of the area.

“The rangers spent the night on site and early this morning the alleged offenders came for their net. Until this point, the Rangers were unsure in which direction the net was laid.”

It was quickly revealed that the massive net extended from the tip of the No Stopping Zone, over the two wrecks of P29 and Rozi, and beyond the lighthouse of Ċirkewwa, in the Gozo channel area.

“Hundreds of metres of nets with large amounts of fish caught in a conservation area,” it continued.

“We also wish to highlight the extreme danger this posed for divers going for a night dive. Our rangers were on standby to stop any diver who would intend to go in, but thankfully no one had such a dive planned.”

The rangers alerted the authorities while also efficiently documenting the whole incident from start to end. This proof will then be presented in court.

The nets were confiscated by the authorities and now trial will await the alleged offenders in court.

The Ranger Unit also extended its thanks to the Transport Malta Maritime section, the Public who keep their eyes open and the Department of Fisheries for their prompt action leading to accountability.

Have you ever encountered illegal fishing? 

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