Night raid at the gaiola: Poachers caught with a thousand euro haul.
Two men were caught by the finance police while looting sea urchins the integral reserve of the Submerged Park of gaiola.The operation, conducted during the night, prevented a theft that would have netted the criminals over a thousand euros. The perpetrators, known to the police, were reported for damage and environmental degradation.
The two perpetrators were caught illegally collecting a large quantity of sea urchins.
The collection of which, where and when permitted, cannot exceed 50 specimens per day.
In this case, the two poachers were plundering the “Riserva Integrale” area of the MPA, where only scientific research activities are permitted.
In fact, zone A was established with the aim of guaranteeing the protection of biodiversity and the repopulation of animal and plant species, therefore, even navigation and bathing are prohibited within it.
The catch, thrown back into the sea while still alive, would have earned the criminals more than a thousand euros since on average each sea urchin is sold on the black market for about 1 euro. The vessel and the equipment used for the illegal activity were seized.
The protection of marine protected areas is one of the activities carried out by the Guardia di Finanza with the aim of preventing and repressing conduct that defaces the beauty of the seabed, combating the illicit market of protected species and, last but not least, protecting public health.
Fortunately, the timely intervention of the Guardia di Finanza thwarted their plan, safeguarding a natural treasure of inestimable value.
Article published on 31 July 2024 - 13:49
