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RGP Step Up Fishing Enforcement
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EXCLUSIVE
by PANORAMA reporter
The RGP who have for some time come under fire by sections of the public for doing little in not effectively enforcing the nature protection act!
Panorama can exclusively reveal that the Police have recently reported at least 5 spanish boats for fishing in British Gibraltar Territorial Waters whilst using illegal fishing equipment, which we suspect is either a gill net or a raking device that destroys the sea-bed.
Panorama can also confirm that the RGP marine section have regularly been spotted intercepting Spanish boats in local waters, this when police suspicions are aroused that illegal fishing is taking place.
The reporting for process by the RGP of illegal fishing activity is one of the main enforcement elements which the police can apply as part of a wider operational policy to deal with the present environment out in the bay and the east side.
Only yesterday the RGP were seen in the early morning approaching and challenging Spanish fishing boats who they suspected were illegally fishing.
Although the constant presence by the Guardia Civil in shadowing nearly all movements when fishing boats come into local waters, must seriously hamper the police in effectively enforcing local laws without creating a very dangerous and serious incident with the potential to cause harm.
Some people many not agree with the present police tactic and would like a more physical response like an arrest, but the police are now at least responding and effectively applying the law and physically upholding the integrity of British Gibraltar Waters.
Questioned by Panorama, the RGP said: "In 2012 to date 15 Spanish Nationals were reported for process ,12 of these persons were reported for process for fishing from the beach and all persons were cautioned for the offences and 3 fishermen were reported for process for using illegal nets. They are currently being judicially processed."
13-08-12
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