Poachers Caught Red-Handed: 52kg of Fish Seized in Protected Area

Portuguese maritime authorities apprehended poachers fishing illegally within the protected natural reserve of the Ilhéus das Formigas. The seizure included 52 kilograms of fish and prohibited fishing gear. The poachers were caught operating in a restricted area, outside designated navigation zones, and with an unauthorized crew member. Authorities auctioned 45 kilograms of the confiscated fish, with proceeds benefiting the case, while the remaining 7 kilograms were donated to the Santa Casa da Misericórdia of Vila do Porto. The Ilhéus das Formigas, located in the Azores, covers an expansive 52,393 hectares and serves as a crucial breeding ground for a vast array of marine species, emphasizing the importance of protecting this vital ecosystem.