Deck of the vessel Mtanos Sei. (Photo: Ibama)
BRAZILFriday, November 21, 2014, 23:50 (GMT + 9)
The Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA) seized the cargo of a tuna fishing vessel docked in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, which had been accused of having used forbidden fishing gear.
The ship, Mtanos Sei, was carrying 66 tonnes of tuna and 70,000 square feet of seine fishing net onboard. This equipment is prohibited in the Northeast of the country.
This type of fishing activity, however, is licensed in the states of southern and southeastern Brazil.
The fishing vessel had been monitored since it left Porto de Itajaí, in Santa Catarina, until it was stopped in Natal, Globo reported.
As it was indicated by Cláudia Zagaglia, head of IBAMA inspection, "the boat had a trial provisionary permit issued by the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture (MPA) to use seine nets."
The seized boat was carrying a 700 meter long and 100 meter high net, and when it was found out that it had been fishing from Rio Grande do Norte and Ceará, the offense was reported.
The fine amounts to BRL 1 million (USD 388,300), and its owner has 20 day deadline to file a defense.
IBAMA authorized the sale of the fish found in the hold of the vessel Mtanos Sei.