More than 70 foreign vessels are fishing without satellite control

Although the Minister of Production, Sergio González, announced that any foreign vessel will be required to have a satellite device (Sisesat) to enter our country, in practice, there are more and more fleets operating illegally on our maritime coast.

According to the National Society of Artisanal Fishing – Sonapescal, a total of 70 foreign vessels have been registered without the satellite control required by law. They are mainly from China and are in ports such as Paita, Chimbote, Callao and Paracas.

“We need concrete measures now to protect our waters and our fishermen. If we do not act immediately, this situation will only get worse,” said Elsa Vega, president of Sonapescal.

He also warns of a modus operandi of these foreign vessels to circumvent state controls, since some go to shipyards to be repaired despite being inspected by Produce and proving that they do not have Sisesat. According to Marine Starboard Intelligence, there are 10 ships in national territory, either disembarking crew members, renewing certificates or in transit after receiving these services.

Some, like the Ning Tai 3, turn off their anti-collision system to avoid being tracked and illegally capturing hydrobiological resources.

Alfonso Miranda, president of the SNI Fishing and Aquaculture Committee, urges that controls be reinforced and that violations of national and international regulations not be tolerated. “Even more so in cases like the one we are seeing these days with almost 200 Chinese boats fishing for squid 230 miles off Paita. It is urgent to increase electronic surveillance and naval patrols in that area,” he added.