The Armed Forces of Malta intercepted a Maltese fishing boat in Marsaxlokk following a report of suspected illegal tuna fishing, according to the Malta Ranger Unit.
The environmental NGO said its rangers alerted the AFM late on Thursday evening after becoming aware of an alleged fishing-related offence involving a Maltese vessel.
Patrol boat P22 was reportedly already close to the area where the fishing vessel was expected to enter the harbour.
According to the rangers, the AFM was therefore able to respond immediately. The vessel was intercepted less than 20 minutes after the report, shortly after it entered Marsaxlokk port.
Tuna reportedly confiscated
The Malta Ranger Unit said the fishing vessel was towed into port and that the tuna found on board was confiscated.
The vessel reportedly remained close to patrol boat P22 for several hours following the interception.
Further details about the quantity of tuna involved, how it was allegedly caught and whether any enforcement action will be taken have not yet been made public.
The Malta Ranger Unit said it was awaiting an update from the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture regarding both the vessel and the confiscated catch.
Rangers call for stronger enforcement at sea
The NGO said suspected illegal fishing activities can be difficult to detect, particularly during the late evening and overnight hours when enforcement at sea may be limited.
It renewed its call for the authorities to strengthen environmental protection and enforcement efforts both on land and at sea.
In a follow-up comment, the Malta Ranger Unit said suspected smaller offences should not be dismissed simply because more serious crimes also exist.
It argued that ignoring such cases contributes to a culture of impunity and is unfair to law-abiding fishermen who work hard to follow the rules while making use of shared marine resources.
The organisation added that people can care about both major and minor offences at the same time, stressing that anyone fishing at sea has an obligation to respect the law.
At this stage, the claims remain allegations made by the Malta Ranger Unit. Confirmation and further information from the relevant authorities are still pending.
Credit: Malta Ranger Unit
