Is Illegal Bluefin Catch Becoming Rampant In Italy?

Italy has reported several incidents of illegal bluefin fishing with over 10 tons seized in the past six months. The most recent took place in Teulada, southwest of Cagliari, in May. Coast Guard and fisheries officials confiscated nine illegally caught bluefin while they were being transferred into a truck. The perpetrators were issued a fine of EUR 5,400.

Officials are donating these illegally captured fish to people from economically disadvantaged families. The Catania Veterinary Department, along with food banks and NGOs, will hand over the fish in the coming days under the ‘Cuore Generoso’ and ‘Ri-Pescato’ projects, which donate seized food, reported Italian news sites. The veterinary department did inspection and laboratory analysis to ensure that the fish are healthy for consumption.