Illegal Fishing Crackdown: 23.5 Tons of Illegal Seafood Seized in a Week
Tarım ve Orman Bakanı İbrahim Yumaklı announced significant strides in combating illegal fishing activities across Turkey. Over the past week, authorities have conducted 7,535 inspections across 81 provinces, leading to the seizure of 23.5 tons of illegally obtained seafood. In addition, fines were imposed on 89 individuals and businesses involved in illicit fishing practices.
In his statement, Minister Yumaklı emphasized the ministry’s dedication to preserving aquatic resources and ensuring sustainable fishing practices. He noted, “To prevent illegal fishing activities, we carry out regular and synchronized inspections nationwide throughout the year.”
Highlighting the breadth of these inspections, Yumaklı mentioned that they spanned various locations, including seas, inland waters, landing points, transportation routes, fishing vessels, fish markets, fishmeal-oil factories, and retail outlets. He said, “Our ministry conducted 7,535 checks, seizing 23.5 tons of illegally fished seafood. Administrative fines were issued to 89 individuals and businesses violating fishing regulations.”
Reflecting on the enhanced enforcement efforts since the beginning of the year, Yumaklı revealed impressive figures: “Since January 1, we have carried out 79,000 inspections, seizing 187 tons of illegally caught seafood. Over this period, 1,544 individuals and businesses faced administrative fines totaling 26 million 992 thousand 273 TL. Furthermore, 25 unlicensed fishing vessels and 854 various fishing tools were confiscated, transferring their ownership to the state.”
Yumaklı stressed the finite nature of natural resources and underscored the collective responsibility to protect aquatic ecosystems. “Our inspections will persist with the same determination during both the fishing season and the off-season,” he concluded.
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