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Illegal Fishing Vessel Busted in Alonissos, Greece

Monday, 15 Aug, 2022

Alonissos, Greece -- On Wednesday, August 10th, the M/Y Emanuel Bronner assisted the island's Port Authorities in locating a fishing vessel that was fishing illegally in the Alonissos Marine Park.

The Emanuel Bronner located a vessel fishing illegally in the Alonissos Marine Park. Photo by Sea Shepherd.

The fishing vessel, originating from the island of Kalymnos, entered the marine park without a fishing permit. Upon inspection by the Greek Coast Guard, swordfish were found on board, one which weighed only 6.5 kilos, which is 3.7 kilos below the permitted limit.

The young swordfish was seized by the Port Authorities. Accompanied by the Coast Guard vessel and the Emanuel Bronner, the fishing boat was tied up at the port of Alonissos where the appropriate penalties were imposed.

The swordfish (Xiphias gladius) is a near-threatened species and its population has been very low in recent years.

Monachus Defense Campaign

Sea Shepherd's Emanuel Bronner began patrolling on June 1st as part of the Monachus Defense Campaign, in direct cooperation with the Alonissos Island's Port Authorities and all institutions involved in the protection of the park.

With the addition of the well-staffed Emanuel Bronner, which conducts day and night patrols, and three other vessels already on the island, this year has greatly strengthened the protection of the marine park.

Greek Coast Guard stop the fishing vessel. Photo by Sea Shepherd.
A Sea Shepherd crew member photographs the fishing vessel being stopped by the Greek Coast Guard.
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