Officers from the Cagliari Coast Guard's Fishing Control Center conducted a series of inspections targeting illegal fishing and trafficking of bluefin tuna between the Sulcis Iglesiente area and the port of Teulada. The operation resulted in the discovery of nine violations involving fines of over €15,000, the seizure of 800 kg of bluefin tuna, and the discovery of a cell without any hygiene permits.
During a stakeout in a rural area of Teulada, the military observed a van full of illegal bluefin tuna entering a farmland toward an unauthorized cell where it was supposed to be processed. The hygienic conditions of the facility immediately appeared seriously substandard, so much so that even cats and dogs were allowed near the fish. The military proceeded to report the violations and issued fines totaling €4,667, seizing approximately 400 kg of bluefin tuna.
In another area of Sulcis Iglesiente, the military stopped another van containing 257 kg of fresh bluefin tuna steaks, without certification, fining the carrier €2,667 for illegal transportation and a further €2,000 for failing to certify the means of transport. On the same day, at a seafood processing and wholesale center near Carbonia, the same Coast Guard inspectors found three swordfish without traceability documentation. The business manager was fined €1,500, and the product was seized.
Furthermore, at a tuna processing plant, it was discovered that bluefin tuna caught in the Ionian Sea had been canned in jars depicting the image of Sardinia, thus misleading the buyer . The manager was fined €2,000. Finally, a street vendor was found in possession of approximately 5.5 kg of bluefin tuna that lacked traceability requirements, resulting in a €2,667 fine.
(Unioneonline)
