Units of the Colombian Navy, within the framework of comprehensive maritime security and control operations, intercepted an Ecuadorian-flagged boat, when it was transporting fishing without the required requirements on Gorgona Island, in the department of Cauca.
On board the boat named Isaías there were three individuals, two Ecuadorians and one Colombian, who, apparently, did not have the corresponding permits issued by the authorities for the transport of fishing, which is why they were escorted to the dock of the Coast Guard Station of Tumaco, in the department of Nariño, in order to corroborate the legality of the merchandise, taking into account that, in addition to the permits, the boats must have the sanitary certification of the product to prevent risks to the health of the consumer.
During the inspection of the ship, the members of the Military Forces found 738 kilograms of goldfish and marlin, specimens that are protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Specimens of Wild Fauna and Flora – CITES.
It should be remembered that Gorgona Island was declared a protected area for the conservation of ecosystems and strategic habitats by the National Government, which is why any act that threatens natural resources is prohibited.
The 738 kilograms of fishing were handed over to the National Aquaculture and Fisheries Authority – AUNAP. The boat and the three individuals were put into custody of the officials of the SIJIN (JUDICIAL POLICE) for the alleged crime of illicit exploitation of renewable natural resources, contemplated in article 328 of the Colombian criminal code.
Source: Press – Navy of Colombia
