Naples – In broad daylight, just meters off the coast of Posillipo, a scene unfolded that outraged residents and beachgoers. A group of poachers, aboard a small boat, threw purse seine nets—tools normally used for commercial fishing—into the sea to capture schools of fish swimming near the shore.
But the worst part came immediately after: one of the crew members lowered himself into the water, wearing scuba tanks and wielding a spear gun, to complete the massacre.
In just a few minutes, according to witnesses, it killed dozens of fish before the incredulous eyes of those present, who immediately alerted the Port Authority and the Guardia di Finanza.
Despite the alert, the sea poachers managed to escape, taking refuge in the nearby bay of Riva Fiorita. Footage of the illegal activity was sent to MP Francesco Emilio Borrelli and Gianni Caselli, councilor of the Europa Verde Municipality, who publicly denounced the incident.
"This is a very serious incident," Borrelli and Caselli stated, "because underwater scuba fishing is prohibited by law. Moreover, doing so using purse seine nets and close to the coast represents enormous damage to the marine environment. We have filed a complaint with the relevant authorities and are confident that those responsible will be identified and punished."
The two Europa Verde representatives also emphasized the need for stricter regulatory action: "Unfortunately, scuba fishing in open waters is not a criminal offense, but only an administrative offense. We need tougher penalties for those who destroy the marine ecosystem: it is no longer acceptable for those who devastate the sea to get away with a simple fine."
The incident draws attention to the widespread phenomenon of illegal fishing along the Neapolitan coast, often practiced during daylight hours and in plain sight of residents. This uncivilized and unregulated act, in addition to compromising the balance of marine life, undermines the work of honest fishermen and the respect for one of the most picturesque stretches of the Neapolitan coastline.
Chronicles of Campania
Naples, poacher caught in the Gaiola marine protected area
The video published on Facebook by the CSI Gaiola association and shows a diver surprised in the middle of the night
It's truly unacceptable that things like this happen. Poaching is a real problem, and more should be done to stop it. Authorities must act more decisively to protect the sea and its wildlife.