Despite fishing illegally in the Peruvian sea, the Chinese vessel Tian Xiang received a fine of 0.047 UIT (S/242.05), the Ministry of Production (Produce) told La República following a complaint filed by the National Artisanal Fishing Society of Peru (Sonapescal).
Edwin Houghton, vice president of said association, pointed out that, in 2023 alone, more than 150 foreign vessels entered without using the satellite devices required by Peruvian law to carry out fishing activities; and so far this year there are 35. This lower amount of S/250 is classified as ridiculous by Sonapescal, since it does not contribute to repairing environmental damage or discouraging future occurrence of these acts, and is seen as a lack of equitable treatment.
“They impose exorbitant fines on artisanal fishermen, initiate criminal proceedings against us, freeze our bank accounts and confiscate our boats and fishing equipment,” he alleged.
From Produce, they acknowledged to this newspaper that the fine applied to Tian Xiang motivates them to accelerate the review of the current regulations in order to deter this type of actions and, therefore, this week they will present a new draft supreme decree that reinforces the protection of national sovereignty and in accordance with Peru’s ratification of the international agreement to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
“The current infractions and sanctions date back to 2017, so it is essential to review and update them for greater effectiveness,” added the ministry led by Sergio González.
Lack of order
Sonapescal points out that, apparently, the Chinese ships would be entering Navy shipyards to be repaired and be able to continue operating off the Peruvian coast, in relation to reports from various artisanal fishermen who encountered squid boats very close to the limit. Peruvian maritime area of 200 miles and even a short distance from ports such as Chimbote, Callao and Pisco. Thus, they asked the Ministry of Defense and Produce to intensify inspection.
Data
Eye. Sonapescal denounces that 4 ships were improperly authorized to enter in May despite not having the device ordered by DS 016-2016-PRODUCE: Ning Tai 11, Zhou Yu 908, Pu Yuan 827 and Hua Ying 78; which have a history of illegality and labor abuses.
Source: Larepublica
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