News

Spanish catch reporting infringements settled by Mozambique: fishing company OPARGU pays the administrative fine

Failure to comply with catch declaration rules under the Mozambican fisheries law has resulted in the notification and payment of fines by 3 Spanish longliners operating under the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Mozambique.Since the start of the 2010 fishing season, the three Spanish flagged vessels, namely ALEXIA, O COVELO and ZUMAYA DOUS, owned by the fishing company ORPAGU (Organizacion de Palangreros Guardese) have been operating in the southern part of the Mozambican EEZ.

After an investigation carried out by the General Directorate of Fisheries of Mozambique, the three vessels were found guilty of not reporting catch on board when entering and exiting the Mozambican EEZ. Between January and May 2010, the investigation counted 14 entry/exit reports without any catch declaration, which constitutes an infringement of both the Mozambican fisheries law and the provisions of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement signed in 2007 between the EU and the Republic of Mozambique.

On 14th July 2010, after 30 days of instructions, the fishing company was notified by the Minister with five administrative fines. The company ORPAGU ordered the payment of the fines on 15th July and the General Directorate of Fisheries Administration closed the prosecution processes on 21st July 2010.

Photography courtesy of Ministry of Fisheries, National Directorate of Fisheries Administration, Mozambique

Source: Ministrio das Pescas/ Ministry of fisheries – Mozambique